Compact-core variational estimate for an Abelian Higgs vortex ($E(R)=\pi (2/R^2+2/3+R^2/24)$)

For a unit Abelian Higgs vortex, the piecewise profiles $h=r/R$ and $a=(r/R{)}^2$ inside $r=R$, with both equal to one outside, are continuous finite-energy trial fields. In the normalization $E=\int [B^2/2+|D\varphi {|}^2/2+(1-|\varphi {|}^2{)}^2/8]$, their radial energy is the displayed function. Its minimum has $R^4=48$ and $E=\pi (2/3+1/\sqrt{3})$, an upper-bound estimate above the exact Bogomolny bound $\pi$. Derivative jumps at the matching radius are allowed in the variational energy space; the trial profile is not an exact solution.