Peierls instability of vortex tubes

Abstract

Using results of Goldstone and Jaffe, we discuss the possibility of a low temperature instability of vortex tubes to a `folded' state, driven by the coupling to the normal electron states inside the cores. The basic mechanism is that a bended tube creates an effective potential for the electrons, which destabilizes the tube in a way reminiscent of the usual Peierls instability.