Cosmic String Theory and Observations

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to the latest research on cosmic strings, both theory and observations based on modern radio and optical instruments, as well as cosmic string simulations for future experiments.

The search for cosmic strings is one of the intriguing problems of modern astronomy, cosmology, and particle physics. The complexity of the cosmological scenario regarding cosmic strings remains an obstacle to our complete understanding. Cosmic strings are hypothetical one-dimensional objects at cosmological scales that, while predicted by the theory, have not yet been detected. Their “zoo” is quite rich. They can be purely topological entities (endless or infinite and closed loops), formed as a result of phase transitions in the vacuum stages of the expansion and cooling of the early Universe, or hybrid topological and field configurations (e.g., the “necklace”: a string with monopoles at its ends and collections of such elements). There is also the possibility of fundamental F- and D-strings of cosmological sizes, which could be generated during high-energy interactions of the extra dimensions in the early Universe.

The phenomenon of cosmic strings should be conducted simultaneously in theory and in observations. This Special Issue will present scientific results of cosmic string observational strategy with a comprehensive approach. For instance, one of the most promising approaches is simultaneous string search using both gravitational lensing methods (special chains of pairs of galaxies) and analysis of the CMB anisotropy (step-like structures). In order to process SDSS datasets, as well as WMAP and “Planck” radio maps, extremely innovative suggestions and research on effective mathematical methods for data filtering (using big data analysis and artificial intelligence based on neural networks) are required.

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Universe is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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• cosmic string
• gravitational lensing
• CMB data
• CMB anisotropy
• data processing
• big data analysis
• SDSS datasets
• string gravitational waves
• superstring theory