What application is there to a magnetic monopole?

[ovoleg]

My book makes many statements about how magnetic monopoles do not exist and how scientist and researchers are trying to accomplish this. They also state that this would have wide applications.

What they don't say is what and why? I see that if a magnetic monopole were to exist it's electric field would like that of a charge partice(+/-) but where could you use this?

Also, is there anyone who is close to creating the magnetic monopole?

Thanks guys

[ovoleg]

Anyone :)?

[Mk]

I expect there to be tons of applications if they are ever found. Don't know any right off hand. Quantum computers and nanotechnology definitely.

This link has all the projects trying to find them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_monopole#Attempts _to_find_monopoles