Searches for topological defect dark matter via non-gravitational
  signatures
  We propose schemes for the detection of topological defect dark matter using
pulsars and other luminous extraterrestrial systems via non-gravitational
signatures. The dark matter field, which makes up a defect, may interact with
standard model particles, including quarks and the photon, resulting in the
alteration of their masses. When a topological defect passes through a pulsar,
its mass, radius and internal structure may be altered, resulting in a pulsar
`quake'. A topological defect may also function as a cosmic dielectric material
with a distinctive frequency-dependent index of refraction, which would give
rise to the time delay of a periodic extraterrestrial light or radio signal,
and the dispersion of a light or radio source in a manner distinct to a
gravitational lens. A topological defect passing through Earth may give rise to
temporary non-zero electric dipole moments for an electron, proton, neutron,
nuclei and atoms. The biggest advantage of such astrophysical observations over
recently proposed terrestrial detection methods is the much higher probability
of a defect been found in the vast volumes of outer space compared with one
passing through Earth itself.
