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VOLUME 52 | ISSUE 6 |
PAGE 358
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Half-quantum vortices in superfluid 3He-B
Volovik G.E.
The structure of an axially asymmetric vortex and of a disclination vortex in3 He-5 in a strong magnetic field is studied. Near the phase transition to the A phase and also in the superheated ÷ phase, beyond the line of the phase transition to the A phase, these entities are bound states of two half-quantum vortices (i.e., vortices with half a quantum of circulation) which are well isolated from each other and connected by a domain wall. The distance between the half-quantum vortices in a vortex pair diverges as the line of the absolute instability of the ÷ phase with respect to the formation of a planar phase is approached.
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Permission given by American Institute of Physics is appreciated.
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