Quantization of Superflow Circulation and Magnetic Flux with a Tunable Offset

Abstract

Quantization of superflow-circulation and of magnetic-flux are considered for systems, such as superfluid ${}^3$He-A and unconventional superconductors, having nonscalar order parameters. The circulation is shown to be the anholonomy in the parallel transport of the order parameter. For multiply-connected samples free of distributed vorticity, circulation and flux are predicted to be quantized, but generically to nonintegral values that are tunably offset from integers. This amounts to a version of Aharonov-Bohm physics. Experimental settings for testing these issues are discussed.

5 two-column pages, ReVTeX, figure available upon request (to [email protected])

References in corpus (1)

• Persistent spin and mass currents and Aharonov-Casher effect

Cited by in corpus (2)

• Vortex with Fractional Quantum Numbers in Chiral p-Wave Superconductor
• Defect absorption and emission for $p$-atic liquid crystals on cones