SKYRME-MAXWELL SOLITONS IN 2+1-DIMENSIONS

A gauged (2+1)-dimensional version of the Skyrme model is investigated . The gauge group is U(1) and the dynamics of the associated gauge pot ential is governed by a Maxwell term. In this model there are topologi cally stable soliton solutions carrying magnetic flux which is not top ologically quantized. The properties of static, rotationally symmetric solitons of degree one and two are discussed in detail. It is shown t hat the electric field of such solutions is necessarily zero. The soli tons' shape, mass, and magnetic flux depend on the U(1) coupling const ant, and this dependence is studied numerically from very weak to very strong coupling.