Particle physics models, topological defects and electroweak baryogenesis

Abstract We demonstrate the viability of electroweak baryogenesis scenarios in which the necessary departure from equilibrium is realized by the evolution of a network of topological defects. We consider several effective models of TeV physics, each addressing a fundamental particle physics problem, and in which the conditions necessary for defect-mediated electroweak baryogenesis are naturally satisfied. In each case we compare the strength of the model with that expected from scenarios in which baryogenesis proceeds with the propagation of critical bubbles.