Constraints on Topological Defect Formation in First-order Superconducting Phase Transitions

The consequences of a cubic term addition to the mean-field potential of Ginzburg-Landau theory to describe first order phase transitions in superconductors are studied. Constraints on its existence are obtained from experiment and used to assess its impact on topological defect creation. No fundamental changes in either the Kibble-Zurek or Hindmarsh-Rajantie predictions are found