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Title: Fractionalization of angular momentum at finite temperature around a magnetic vortex

Journal Article · · Annals of Physics (New York)
 [1];  [2]
  1. Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 14-b Metrologichna str., Kyiv 03143 (Ukraine) and Physics Department, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, 2 Academician Glushkov ave., Kyiv 03127 (Ukraine)
  2. Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 14-b Metrologichna str., Kyiv 03143 (Ukraine)

Ambiguities in the definition of angular momentum of a quantum-mechanical particle in the presence of a magnetic vortex are reviewed. We show that the long-standing problem of the adequate definition is resolved in the framework of the second-quantized theory at nonzero temperature. Planar relativistic Fermi gas in the background of a point-like magnetic vortex with arbitrary flux is considered, and we find thermal averages, quadratic fluctuations, and correlations of all observables, including angular momentum, in this system. The kinetic definition of angular momentum is picked out unambiguously by the requirement of plausible behaviour for the angular momentum fluctuation and its correlation with fermion number.

OSTI ID:
20976752
Journal Information:
Annals of Physics (New York), Vol. 322, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.aop.2006.05.006; PII: S0003-4916(06)00118-7; Copyright (c) 2006 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-4916
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English