摘要
Topological defects and smooth excitations determine the properties of systems showing collective order.We introduce a generic non-singular field theory that comprehensively describes defects and excitations in systems with O(n)broken rotational symmetry.Within this formalism,we explore fast events,such as defect nucleation/annihilation and dynamical phase transitions where the interplay between topological defects and non-linear excitations is particularly important.To highlight its versatility,we apply this formalism in the context of Bose-Einstein condensates,active nematics,and crystal lattices.
