Chiral optical absorption by a single vortex in p(x) +/- ip(y)-wave superconductor

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.