Magnetic Monopoles and Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper explores the theoretical possibility of magnetic monopoles and magnetic atoms contributing to dark matter, their formation in astrophysical environments, and potential observational signatures like gamma-ray excesses.

Contribution

It develops Schwinger's early universe magnetic monopole theory, linking magnetic atoms to dark matter and proposing observational phenomena such as gamma-ray signatures from neutron stars.

Findings

Magnetic monopoles could account for up to 18% of dark matter.

Magnetic atoms may form in pulsar magnetospheres with GeV energies.

Gamma-ray excess at Galactic center could be due to magnetic charge annihilation.

Abstract

Schwinger's idea about the magnetic world of the early Universe, in which magnetic charges (monopoles) and magnetic atoms (g$^{+}$g$^{-}$) could be formed, is developed. In the present-day Universe magnetic charges with energies in the GeV range can be formed in the magnetospheres of young pulsars in super strong magnetic fields. Spectroscopic features of magnetic atoms and possibilities for their observations are discussed. Relic magnetic atoms can contribute up to 18% to the dark matter density. The gamma-ray excess at our Galactic center could arise under two-photon annihilation of magnetic charges as a cooperative effect from neutron stars. A sharp physical difference of Schwinger's magnetic world from Dirac's present-day electric world is pointed out. Artificial magnetic monopoles are also mentioned briefly.