How can a superconductor be used to detect monopoles?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of a superconductor as a monopole detector and the limitations of using an EEG machine to detect monopoles. It is mentioned that superconductors are more sensitive than an EEG in detecting subtle electrical fields and voltages. The conversation also mentions the possibility of building a detector using less-than-optimal parts, but questions the practicality of doing so.
  • #1
Awwtumn
47
3
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Awwtumn said:
What is more sensitive than an EEG to detect subtle electrical fields and voltages?
A superconductor.
 
  • Like
Likes Motore and topsquark
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
You asked a question, and got an answer. You seem not to like the answer, but that's not the same as being confused.
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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
 
  • #7
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??
 
  • #8
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?
 

1. How does a superconductor detect monopoles?

A superconductor can detect monopoles through the Meissner effect, which is the expulsion of magnetic fields from the interior of a superconductor. When a monopole passes through a superconductor, it creates a magnetic field that disrupts the superconducting state, causing the superconductor to lose its ability to repel magnetic fields. This change in the superconductor's behavior can be measured and used to detect the presence of a monopole.

2. What are the advantages of using a superconductor to detect monopoles?

Using a superconductor to detect monopoles has several advantages. Firstly, superconductors have very high sensitivity to magnetic fields, making them ideal for detecting the weak magnetic fields produced by monopoles. Additionally, superconductors can operate at very low temperatures, which helps to reduce background noise and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, superconductors are highly efficient, allowing for the detection of multiple monopoles with minimal energy consumption.

3. Can superconductors detect both magnetic and electric monopoles?

Yes, superconductors can detect both magnetic and electric monopoles. The Meissner effect is sensitive to both types of monopoles, as they both produce a magnetic field that can disrupt the superconducting state. However, the detection methods may differ slightly depending on the type of monopole being detected.

4. Is it possible to use superconductors to detect monopoles in real-time?

Yes, it is possible to use superconductors to detect monopoles in real-time. Superconducting detectors can operate at high speeds, allowing for the detection of monopoles as they pass through the superconductor. However, the detection process may still require some post-processing and analysis to confirm the presence of a monopole.

5. Are there any limitations to using superconductors for monopole detection?

While superconductors have many advantages for monopole detection, there are also some limitations. One limitation is the need for very low temperatures, which can be costly and challenging to maintain. Additionally, the sensitivity of superconductors to external magnetic fields can make it difficult to distinguish between the magnetic field produced by a monopole and other sources of magnetic noise. Finally, superconductors may not be suitable for detecting monopoles with extremely high energies, as the magnetic field produced by these monopoles could exceed the critical field of the superconductor and destroy its superconducting state.

Similar threads

I Why could magnetic monopoles exist?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
12
Views
1K
A Lagrangian of a monopole (Einstein notation is used)
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Superconductors and moving/accelerating charges
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
1K
How would *You* detect magnetic monopoles?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
2K
A method to detect fermionic magnetic monopoles?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why does Gauss's Law for Magnetism prohibit monopoles?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
10
Views
4K
Has the Charge Quantization Problem Been Solved Without Magnetic Monopoles?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Inflation and Monopoles: Exploring the Mysteries of Cosmic Expansion
    • Cosmology
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
On a basic level why can't monopoles exist?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Detecting Magnetic Monopoles with Induced Currents in a Wire Loop
    • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top