Tensor Monopoles in superconducting systems

TL;DR

This paper proposes methods to realize and detect tensor monopoles in superconducting multi-terminal systems using phase differences as synthetic dimensions, expanding the understanding of topological objects in condensed matter physics.

Contribution

It introduces novel proposals for realizing tensor monopoles in superconducting systems, which have not been extensively studied before.

Findings

Tensor monopoles can be realized in superconducting circuits.

Proposals include superconducting islands and triple dot systems.

Monopoles can be detected via quantum geometry measurements.

Abstract

Topology in general but also topological objects such as monopoles are a central concept in physics. They are prime examples for the intriguing physics of gauge theories and topological states of matter. Vector monopoles are already frequently discussed such as the well-established Dirac monopole in three dimensions. Less known are tensor monopoles giving rise to tensor gauge fields. Here we report that tensor monopoles can potentially be realized in superconducting multi-terminal systems using the phase differences between superconductors as synthetic dimensions. In a first proposal we suggest a circuit of superconducting islands featuring charge states to realize a tensor monopole. As a second example we propose a triple dot system coupled to multiple superconductors that also gives rise to such a topological structure. All proposals can be implemented with current experimental means and the monopole readily be detected by measuring the quantum geometry.