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Singularity of $B$-field in a Dirac String

Physics Asked by Chris I on April 1, 2021

I was assigned this question related to Dirac strings:

Given a vector potential $vec{A}= frac{1-cos(theta)}{rsin(theta)}hat{phi}$, show that there is a singularity in the $B$ field proportional to $Theta(-z)delta(x)delta(y)$ on the $z$ axis. ($Theta(x-x_0)$ is the step function with its jump at $x_0$) Find the proportionality constant.

My attempt at a solution:

So showing there is a singularity simply results from the fact that at $theta=0$, the vector potential explodes because the denominator goes to zero. The same holds true for $r$. My question becomes quantifying the magnitude of this singularity via this proportionality constant. I’m assuming it’s essentially a measure of how quickly the field increases close the the $z$ axis, but I’m not sure how to procede from here. I’ve looked at quite a bit of literature on the matter, including Dirac’s original paper, but they all simply state there is a singularity, and make no statement about the size of it. Any insight that can be offered about the nature of this singularity would be deeply appreciated!

One Answer

HINT: integrate $vec{A}$ around a small loop of size $epsilon$ centered along the $z$-axis. Use the fact that the magnetic flux through this loop is $Phi_B = oint vec{A} cdot d vec{l}$.

Answered by Michael Seifert on April 1, 2021

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