Electromagnetism – How to Detect Magnetic Monopoles: Methods and Techniques

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A question needed for a "solid" sci-fi author: How to detect a strong magnetic monopole? (yes, I know no such thing is to be found on Earth).

Think of basic construction details, principles of operation and necessary components of a device capable of detecting/recognizing a macroscopic object emitting magnetic field of equivalent of order ~0.1-10 Tesla near its surface, but with only one pole, reliably distinguishing it from normal (2-pole) magnets, preferably at a distance.

Preferably a robust method, not involving extremely advanced technology. Detect the presence, possibly distance (or field strength) and direction.

I know of SQUIDs, but these concentrate on extreme sensitivity. I'm thinking of something less sensitive but more robust (like, no need for the monopole to fall through the loop) and still able to recognize a monopole against a magnet.

Also, how would such a macroscopic object behave practically? Such a "one-pole magnet" about the size and strength of a refrigerator magnets – how would it behave around ferromagnetics, normal magnets and so on?

Best Answer

Blas Cabrera designed and built a magnetic monopole detector. Here's one report on it:

First Results from a Superconductive Detector for Moving Magnetic Monopoles. B. Cabrera. Phys. Rev. Lett. 48 no. 20, 1378–1381 (1982). Princeton eprint.

(Old link at http://www.slac.stanford.edu/cgi-wrap/getdoc/ssi82-025.pdf now dead and not archived by the Wayback Machine.)

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