Topological Solitons: Fossils of the Universe

Professor （Elementary Particle Theoretical Physics）

ETO Minoru

When matter is broken down, we observe a finer structure: atoms → atomic nuclei → nucleons → elementary particles. So far, 17 types of elementary particles have been discovered, and the natural laws that govern these particles are summarized in the Standard Model of particle physics. I am researching the phenomena caused by topological solitons in elementary particle physics. There are two important concepts in this research: symmetry (for example, an isosceles triangle has mirror symmetry) and topology (shapes that can be transformed continuously are considered identical: a donut = a coffee cup). While these may not seem directly related to elementary particles, as the universe, which began with the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, expands and cools, certain symmetries related to elementary particles spontaneously break, leading to the formation of topological solitons. Therefore, understanding when topological solitons were created and what happened to them afterwards is equivalent to understanding not only the smallest building blocks of the universe, elementary particles, but the history of the universe itself. This is why topological solitons are also called fossils of the universe. Using tools such as numerical simulations on computers, I am working daily toward uncovering the ultimate theory of the universe.

▲The mathematical representation of the Standard Model of particle physics

▲An example of topology

▲Computer simulation of cosmic strings (topological solitons)