Spin polarization of half-quantum vortex in systems with equal spin pairing.
We present a variational analysis for a half-quantum vortex (HQV) in the equal-spin-pairing superfluid state which, under suitable conditions, is believed to be realized in Sr(2)RuO(4) and (3)He-A. Our approach is based on a description of the HQV in terms of a BCS-like wave function with a spin-dependent boost. We predict a novel feature: the HQV, if stable, should be accompanied by a nonzero spin polarization. Such a spin polarization would exist in addition to the one induced by the Zeeman coupling to the external field and hence may serve as an indicator in experimental search for HQV.
Department of Physics, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA. vakaryuk@uiuc.edu
Victor
V
Vakaryuk
Anthony J
AJ
Leggett