Torsional Monopoles and Torqued Geometries in Gravity and Condensed Matter

Andrew Randono and Taylor L. Hughes
Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 161102 – Published 22 April 2011

Abstract

Torsional degrees of freedom play an important role in modern gravity theories as well as in condensed matter systems where they can be modeled by defects in solids. Here we isolate a class of torsion models that support torsion configurations with a localized, conserved charge that adopts integer values. The charge is topological in nature, and the torsional configurations can be thought of as torsional “monopole” solutions. We explore some of the properties of these configurations in gravity models with a nonvanishing curvature and discuss the possible existence of such monopoles in condensed matter systems. To conclude, we show how the monopoles can be thought of as a natural generalization of the Cartan spiral staircase.

  • Figure
  • Received 5 October 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.161102

© 2011 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Andrew Randono1 and Taylor L. Hughes2

  • 1The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, 31 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 2Y5, Canada
  • 2Department of Physics, University of Illinois, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 106, Iss. 16 — 22 April 2011

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×