Half - Quantum Vortices

Unlike to superfluid $^4$He the superfluid $^3$He-A support the existence of vortices with half quantum of circulation as well as single quantum vortices. The singular single quanta vortices as well as nonsingular vortices with 2 quanta of circulation have been revealed in rotating $^3$He-A. However, the half quantum vortices in open geometry always possess an extra energy due to spin-orbit coupling leading to formation of domain wall at distances larger than dipole length $\sim 10^{-3}cm$ from the vortex axis. Fortunately the same magnetic dipole-dipole interaction does not prevent the existence of half-quantum vortices in the polar phase of superfluid $^3$He recently discovered in peculiar porous media "nematically ordered" aerogel. Here we discuss this exotic possibility. The discoveries of half-quantum vortices in triplet pairing superconductor Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ as well in the exciton-polariton condensates are the other parts of the story about half-quantum vortices also described in the paper.

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