Complete classification of the string-like solutions of the gravitating Abelian Higgs model - art. no. 125012

The static cylindrically symmetric solutions of the gravitating Abelian Hig gs model form a two parameter family. In this paper we give a complete clas sification of the string-like solutions of this system. We show that the pa rameter plane is composed of two different regions with the following chara cteristics: One region contains the standard asymptotically conic cosmic st ring solutions together with a second kind of solution with Melvin-like asy mptotic behavior. The other region contains two types of solutions with bou nded radial extension. The border between the two regions is the curve of m aximal angular deficit of 2 pi. [S0556-2821(99)03724-8].