Cosmological consequences of superconducting string networks

Abstract

We consider the cosmological consequences of a network of superconducting cosmic strings. For strong enough current the period of friction domination never ends. Instead a plasma scaling solution is reached. We demonstrate that this gives rise to a very different cosmology than the usual horizon scaling solution. In particular the string network gives rise to a distinct imprint on the microwave sky, giving non-Gaussian features on much smaller angular scales. It also gives rise to a filament structure in string wakes. Because of the presence of the string magnetocylinder, the string magnetic field cannot create a primordial magnetic field. Similarly, it evades nucleosynthesis constraints. We also show that strings formed at the supersymmetry breaking scale can create the required baryon asymmetry of the universe.