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 rule'' determining the conditions for this phenomenon to occur and numerically analize it in the context of two-dimensional optical lattices or, equivalently, in that of Bose-Einstein condensates in periodic potentials.