The construction of self-dual vortex solutions to the Chern-Simons-Higgs model (with a suitable eighth-order potential) coupled to Einstein gravity in 2 + 1 dimensions is reconsidered. We show that the self-duality condition may be derived from the sole assumption $g_{00}=1\mathrm{}$. Next, we derive a family of exact, doubly self-dual vortex solutions, which interpolate between the symmetrical and asymmetrical vacua. The corresponding spacetimes have two regions at spatial infinity. The eighth-order Higgs potential is positive definite, and closed timelike curves are absent, if the gravitational constant is chosen to be negative.

• Received 1 February 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.54.1844