Moduli Space of Non-Abelian Vortices

Abstract

We completely determine the moduli space M(N,k) of k vortices in U(N) gauge theory with N Higgs fields in the fundamental representation. Its open subset for separated vortices is found as the symmetric product (CxCP(N-1))k/(see text)k. Orbifold singularities of this space correspond to coincident vortices and are resolved resulting in a smooth moduli manifold. The relation to Kähler quotient construction is discussed.