A Topological Criterion for Alice Strings
Katherine M. Benson, Tom D. Imbo · arXiv (Cornell University) · 2003
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.