Measuring Magnetic Monopoles: Unique Signatures in Magnetic and Electric Fields

In summary, there have been attempts to detect magnetic monopoles using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), but there has never been reproducible evidence for their existence despite some tantalizing events recorded. This places an upper limit on the number of monopoles at about one per 1029 nucleons.
  • #1
jlcd
274
7
Supposed there were magnetic monopoles.. how do you measure them? Any unique signature to look in its magnetic and electric field (to what extend would these two be produced at all)?
 
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  • #2
There is some discussion on it in this wikipedia article quoted below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_monopole

Searches for magnetic monopoles[edit]
A number of attempts have been made to detect magnetic monopoles. One of the simpler ones is to use a loop of superconducting wire to look for even tiny magnetic sources, a so-called "superconducting quantum interference device", or SQUID. Given the predicted density, loops small enough to fit on a lab bench would expect to see about one monopole event per year. Although there have been tantalizing events recorded, in particular the event recorded by Blas Cabrera on the night of February 14, 1982 (thus, sometimes referred to as the "Valentine's DayMonopole"[38]), there has never been reproducible evidence for the existence of magnetic monopoles.[13] The lack of such events places an upper limit on the number of monopoles of about one monopole per 1029 nucleons.
 

1. What are magnetic monopoles?

Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles that have only one magnetic pole, either a north or south pole, unlike traditional magnets which have both poles. They are predicted to exist by some theories of physics, but have not yet been observed in experiments.

2. Why are magnetic monopoles important to study?

Magnetic monopoles are important because they could provide a better understanding of the fundamental forces and particles in the universe. Their existence would also have significant implications for various areas of physics, such as cosmology and particle physics.

3. How do scientists measure magnetic monopoles?

Scientists use a variety of methods to try and detect magnetic monopoles. One common method is to search for unique signatures in magnetic and electric fields, as these particles would have a distinct effect on these fields. Other methods include using high-energy particle accelerators and studying cosmic ray interactions.

4. Have magnetic monopoles ever been observed?

No, magnetic monopoles have not been observed yet. Despite numerous attempts to detect them, scientists have not yet found any definitive evidence for their existence. However, researchers continue to search for these elusive particles using increasingly sensitive techniques.

5. What are the potential applications of magnetic monopoles?

If magnetic monopoles are discovered, they could have a range of potential applications in technologies such as magnetic data storage, energy generation, and medical imaging. However, more research is needed to understand their properties and how they could be harnessed for practical use.

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