Unified dynamics of quantum vortices

A unified model for quantum vortices (including cosmic strings and superfluid vortices as particular cases) is presented. Using the so-called 'analyticity condition', we find the exact equations of motion of any general vortex system described by this model. A short-ranged attractive force is found to act on all types of vortices. Its inclusion leads to a total finite self-interaction. The equations of motion, being exact, determine the possible force couplings to vortices. The complete action describing arbitrary vortex configurations, which is valid near the vortices' cores as well, is found. The bare string-tension is identified and its value is determined for all vortices. The ratio (bare string-tension)/(vortex coupling constant) is always equal to ± 1 (the winding direction of the vortex) irrespective of the other parameters of the vortex. The results are interpreted as implying the existence of elementary vortices as the building blocks of all types of quantum vortices. (orig.)