How can a superconductor be used to detect monopoles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential use of superconductors for detecting magnetic monopoles, exploring the sensitivity of different detection methods, particularly comparing superconductors and EEG machines. Participants raise questions about the feasibility of using EEGs to detect monopoles and the underlying principles involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why a monopole detector must be a superconductor and suggests that an EEG could potentially detect monopoles due to the electric fields generated by moving magnetic charges.
  • Another participant asserts that superconductors are more sensitive than EEGs for detecting subtle electrical fields and voltages.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about whether an EEG could detect monopoles if they existed in the low energy sector, with speculation that monopole currents might cancel each other out.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the detection capabilities of EEGs in relation to monopoles and seek clarification.
  • One participant suggests that while it is possible to build a detector from less-than-optimal parts, the use of superconductors is preferred for detailed detection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the ability of EEGs to detect monopoles, with multiple competing views presented regarding the effectiveness of different detection methods.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the conditions under which monopoles could be detected and the assumptions regarding their behavior in relation to electric fields and currents.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring advanced detection methods in physics, particularly in the context of theoretical particles like monopoles and the properties of superconductors.

Awwtumn
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Why does a monopole detector have to be a superconductor?

If there were Monopoles. Why couldn't an EEG machine detect them. Remember in monopoles, moving magnetic charges would generate electric fields. If say the monopole is very strong, it should make the EEG detect them by the probe just hanging in the air, is it not? Or no matter how strong monopoles are, no EEG can detect them and only superconductor? Why?

Btw. What is more sensitive than an EEG to detect subtle electrical fields and voltages?
 
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Awwtumn said:
What is more sensitive than an EEG to detect subtle electrical fields and voltages?
A superconductor.
 
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If monopole existed in the low energy sector. Can an EEG detect them? Or maybe never at all because the current of the monopole somehow cancels each other out?
Please clarify the issues because I'm still confused. Thanks.
 
You asked a question, and got an answer. You seem not to like the answer, but that's not the same as being confused.
 
My new question now is. If monopole existed in the low energy sector. Can an EEG detect them? Or maybe never at all because the current of the monopole somehow cancels each other out? Can anyone else answer this? Thank you.
 
Awwtumn said:
My new question now is. If monopole existed in the low energy sector. Can an EEG detect them? Or maybe never at all because the current of the monopole somehow cancels each other out? Can anyone else answer this? Thank you.
I don't really see why not but why are you asking? Are you trying to build a detector? Superconductors will detect them in more detail than an EEG. So why not just use the superconductor?

-Dan
 
No. I just want to understand it. Nothing bad about trying to know.

EEG measures voltages. If there were monopoles running around. How could EEG measure them at all??
 
Asked and answered.

Could you build a detector out of less-than-optimal parts? Sure. But why? You could probably make one out of a coat hanger and chewing gum. Again, but why?
 

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