Fractionalization in the cuprates: Detecting the topological order

The precise theoretical characterization of a fractionalized phase in spati al dimensions higher than one is through the concept of "topological order" We describe a physical effect that is a robust and a direct consequence of this hidden order that should enable a precise experimental characterizati on of fractionalized phases, fn particular, we propose specific ''smoking-g un" experiments to unambiguously settle the issue of electron fractionaliza tion in the underdoped cuprates.