Can Magnetic Charge and Quantum Mechanics Co-exist ?

TL;DR

The paper proves that the coexistence of magnetic charges and quantum mechanics leads to fundamental inconsistencies, implying free magnetic monopoles cannot exist unless they are confined in pairs.

Contribution

It demonstrates a theoretical incompatibility between magnetic monopoles and quantum mechanics, suggesting monopoles must be confined if they exist.

Findings

Free magnetic charges cannot exist in quantum mechanics.

Magnetic monopoles must be confined in pairs to be consistent with quantum theory.

The existence of free magnetic monopoles is fundamentally incompatible with quantum mechanics.

Abstract

It is proven that if more than a single magnetic charge exists it is impossible to define a proper quantum mechanical angular momentum operator for an electrically charged particle in the field of the magnetic charges. Assuming that quantum mechanics is correct we conclude that free magnetic charges (i.e. magnetic charges with a Coulomb-like magnetic field) can not exist. The only apparent way to avoid this conclusion is if magnetic charges do exist, they must be permanently confined in monopole anti-monopole pairs, much in the same way quarks are thought to be confined.