2
votes
2answers
124 views

Graph Invariants and Statistical Mechanics

Many intuitive knot invariants including Jones' polynomial are inspired by statistical mechanics. Further profound connections have been explored between knot theory and statistical mechanics. I was ...
8
votes
1answer
99 views

Why are topological solitons present in some phases for lattice models?

Over a spatial continuum, it is easy to see why some topological solitons like vortices and monopoles have to be stable. For similar reasons, Skyrmions also have to be stable, with a conserved ...