Peierls instability of vortex tubes

TL;DR

This paper explores a theoretical low-temperature instability in vortex tubes, akin to Peierls instability, caused by electron coupling within the vortex core, potentially leading to a folded vortex state.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism for vortex tube instability driven by electron interactions, extending the understanding of vortex behavior at low temperatures.

Findings

Vortex tubes can become unstable and fold at low temperatures.

Electron coupling inside vortex cores influences vortex stability.

The mechanism resembles Peierls instability in condensed matter systems.

Abstract

Using results of Goldstone and Jaffe, we discuss the possibility of a low temperature instability of vortex tubes to a `folded' state, driven by the coupling to the normal electron states inside the cores. The basic mechanism is that a bended tube creates an effective potential for the electrons, which destabilizes the tube in a way reminiscent of the usual Peierls instability.