Monopoles and Fermions in the Standard Model

TL;DR

This paper analyzes magnetic monopoles within the Standard Model, focusing on their quantum properties, stability, and interactions, especially their role in catalyzing proton decay, with implications for universal and model-independent processes.

Contribution

It systematically studies Standard Model monopoles' quantum numbers, stability, and scattering processes, confirming the universality of monopole catalysis mechanisms.

Findings

Monopoles have Standard Model quantum numbers and are stable.

Scattering processes are unsuppressed by monopole mass in the lowest partial wave.

Monopole catalysis processes are universal and model-independent.

Abstract

We consider all magnetic monopoles that could have settled in the Standard Model after descending from a generic microscopic theory. These monopoles have Standard Model quantum numbers, are stable, and we also require that their magnetic fluxes are consistent with the electroweak symmetry breaking. Scattering processes involving quarks, leptons and protons on these monopoles are studied using partial waves decomposition. These processes in the lowest partial wave are known to be unsuppressed by the monopole mass and are relevant for monopole catalysis of proton decay. We provide estimates for scattering cross-sections and investigate and confirm the applicability of the twisted sector approach to scattering processes on these Standard Model monopoles. We find that the SM monopole catalysis processes are universal and model-independent.