Superinsulators, Bose Metals And High-tc Superconductors: The Quantum Physics Of Emergent Magnetic Monopoles

Dirac demonstrated in 1931 that topologically quantized single magnetic charges, or magnetic monopoles, are permitted alongside electric charges in a quantum theory of electromagnetism. Despite 40 years of searching, they have never been found in an experiment. This book discusses the physical effects of such emergent magnetic monopoles, such as a new mechanism for local, strong electron pairing and the formation of a new quantum phase of matter when monopoles condense.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd

In 1931, Dirac demonstrated that topologically quantized single magnetic charges, known as magnetic monopoles, were permitted alongside electric charges in a quantum theory of electromagnetism, despite being classically forbidden in a gauge theory. These topological magnetic excitations are indeed admitted in the spectrum of most grand unified field theories of elementary interactions. Despite 40 years of dedicated search efforts, non-etheless, they have never shown up in any experiment. This, however, does not preclude the possibility of topological magnetic monopoles being realized as excitations in emergent condensed matter states, where they would be much lighter and easier to create.

This book explores the physical effects of such emergent magnetic monopoles, which range from a new mechanism for local, strong pairing of electrons possibly relevant for high-T superconductivity to the formation of a new quantum phase of matter when monopoles condense. In such a condensate, the electric interaction becomes extremely strong, so much so that only extended neutral states survive, with the consequence of an infinite resistance, even at finite temperatures. This state, called a superinsulator, is a dual superconductor and has been experimentally detected in various materials.

Even more interesting is the case when the condensate carries both magnetic and electric charge. The ensuing state has properties that are strikingly reminiscent of the mysterious pseudogap state of high-T superconductors. Magnetic monopoles might thus have been hiding in plain sight, where no one was looking for them for a long time.

ISBN-13: 9789811250958