A Magnetic Monopole Antenna

Magnetic monopoles are theoretical particles characterized by a singular magnetic pole, distinct from common magnetic entities that manifest as pairs of magnetic poles. The notion of magnetic monopoles originated with Paul Dirac in the 1930s, sparking substantial theoretical and experimental exploration in subsequent decades. Despite extensive investigation, definitive observational evidence of magnetic monopoles in the cosmos remains elusive.

In recent times, diverse methodologies have been suggested to investigate magnetic monopoles, encompassing high-energy particle accelerators, cosmic ray detectors, and the exploration of potential “traces” in specific materials. In pursuit of advancing these efforts, researchers at INSP, in collaboration with counterparts at the Institut Langevin, have introduced a novel electromagnetic antenna designed to emulate the behavior of a magnetic monopole.

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Caption

A photonic nanostructure created in a semi-infinite gold layer exhibits the behavior of a magnetic monopole, having a single magnetic field pole oriented in a single direction and holding a single magnetic charge within it.

Reference

A Magnetic Monopole Antenna

Benoît Reynier, Xingyu Yang, Bruno Gallas, Sébastien Bidault, and Mathieu Mivelle

ACS Photonics 2023

Publication Date: July 7, 2023

Article

mathieu.mivelle(at)sorbonne-universite.fr

Article on the cover of ACS Photonics