title: Vortex transmutation.
abstract: Using group theory arguments and numerical simulations, we demonstrate the possibility of changing the vorticity or topological charge of an individual vortex by means of the action of a system possessing a discrete rotational symmetry of finite order. We establish on theoretical grounds a "transmutation pass" determining the conditions for this phenomenon to occur and numerically analyze it in the context of two-dimensional optical lattices. An analogous approach is applicable to the problems of Bose-Einstein condensates in periodic potentials.
authors.affiliation: Departament d'Optica, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner, 50, E-46100 Burjassot (València), Spain.
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferrando
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zacarés
authors.forename: Miguel-Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: García-March
authors.forename: Juan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Monsoriu
authors.forename: Pedro Fernández
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: de Córdoba