Characteristic points of a single vortex in p(x) +/- ip(y)-wave superconduc
tor is studied theoretically. Due to the violation of time reversal symmetr
y, there are two types of vortices whose winding orientation is the same or
opposite to the angular momentum of the Cooper pair. It is found that the
charges of the two types of vortices are different. The chiral optical abso
rption by a single vortex is also studied theoretically in the presence of
single non-magnetic impurity at the vortex center. The impurity affects the
se two types of vortices differently. Therefore, the two degenerate p(x) +/
- ip(y) states can be distinguished by detecting the vortex charge or by us
ing the optical absorption of circular polarized light. (C) 2000 Elsevier S
cience B.V. All rights reserved.