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arXiv · hep-th/0304161

A Topological Criterion for Alice Strings

Katherine Benson·Tom Imbo
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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 π_o(H) acts nontrivially on π_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.

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Katherine Benson, Tom Imbo. 2003-12-05. A Topological Criterion for Alice Strings. https://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0304161

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