Topological Defects in Cosmology

This book is devoted to the most relevant problems of modern cosmology: the formation of structures in the framework of big bang cosmology. The standard theory of gravitational instability has met with great success but has also encountered significant difficulties. In this book, the alternative possibility offered by topological defects is explored in detail. A pedagogical introduction to the problem is given and several theoretical aspects of the problem are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the observable consequences of the presence of topological defects, and in particular their interactions with cosmic background radiation; other observable effects are also discussed. In addition, laboratory experiments on toplogical defects are dealt with. This book should, for a long time, serve as one of the best references on the topic for students and researchers in cosmology.