Topological defects as effective dynamical dark energy
Abstract
In this work, we consider the possibility that the dynamical dark energy hinted at by recent Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument data may be mimicked by the effects of additional components in the universe, potentially arising from topological defects. We find that the data does not show a particular preference for the existence of cosmic strings. However, a domain wall contribution at the percent level can improve the fit, yielding a Δ χ 2 = − 1.72 and Δ DIC = − 0.94 compared to the lambda-cold dark matter model ( Λ CDM ). The improvement indicates that topological defects remain a viable and interesting extension to Λ CDM , meriting further investigation with future cosmological data.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quasicrystal Structures and Properties
Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications
Topological Materials and Phenomena
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical review. D/Physical review. D.
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 113
- Issue
- 4
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN