Cosmic necklaces from string theory

Abstract

We present the properties of a cosmic superstring network in the scenario of flux compactification. An infinite family of strings, the $(p,q)$ strings, are allowed to exist. The flux compactification leads to a string tension that is periodic in $p$. Monopoles, appearing here as beads on a string, are formed in certain interactions in such networks. This allows bare strings to become cosmic necklaces. We study network evolution in this scenario, outlining what conditions are necessary to reach a cosmologically viable scaling solution. We also analyze the physics of the beads on a cosmic necklace, and present general conditions for which they will be cosmologically safe, leaving the network's scaling undisturbed. In particular, we find that a large average loop size is sufficient for the beads to be cosmologically safe. Finally, we argue that loop formation will promote a scaling solution for the interbead distance in some situations.