Monopole and vortex content of a meron pair

TL;DR

This paper explores the monopole and vortex structures of a meron pair using gauge transformation analysis and Wilson loop behavior, revealing complex topological features like monopole lines and vortex surfaces.

Contribution

It introduces a combined approach using Laplacian Center Gauge and Wilson loops to analyze the topological structures of meron pairs, highlighting their interconnected monopole and vortex features.

Findings

Presence of closed monopole lines and vortex surfaces connecting merons

Evidence of intersecting vortex surfaces at each meron

Complementary insights into vortex and monopole structures

Abstract

We investigate the monopole and vortex content of a meron pair by calculating the points at which the transformation to the Laplacian Center Gauge is ill-defined and by studying the behavior of Wilson loops. These techniques reveal complementary aspects of the vortex and monopole structure, including the presence of closed monopole lines and closed vortex surfaces joining the two merons, and evidence for intersecting vortex surfaces at each meron.