A Topological Criterion for Alice Strings
Abstract
Symmetry breaking can produce ``Alice'' strings, which alter scattered charges and carry monopole number and charge when twisted into loops. Alice behavior arises algebraically, when a string's untraced Wilson loop obstructs unbroken symmetries -- a fragile criterion. We give a topological criterion, compelling Alice behavior or deforming it away. Our criterion, that \pi_o(H) acts nontrivially on \pi_1(H), links topologically Alice strings to topological monopoles. We twist Alice loops to form monopoles, and find nematic and He-3A Alice strings are topologically Alice, carrying fundamental monopole charge when twisted into loops.
Cite
@article{arxiv.hep-th/0304161,
title = {A Topological Criterion for Alice Strings},
author = {Katherine Benson and Tom Imbo},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:hep-th/0304161},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
12 pages, 1 figure, text + 2 eps files submitted 4/17/03, revised 12/5/03: technical qualification added, introduction focused, nomenclature clarified