A search for GUT monopoles with mica track etch detectors

This chapter describes the use of an unconventional particle detector of area 10-3 m2, which has been in operation for over 108 years, to look for grand unified theory (GUT) monopoles. Mechanisms which could reduce the significance of the mica result are examined. Topics considered include track etch detectors, mica as a detector of GUT monopoles, track fading, the collisional disruption of the monopole-nucleus system, the catalysis of baryon decay, the reduction of nucleus capture cross sections, diamagnetic repulsion, and monopole carrying positive electric charge. It is concluded that the only significant challenge to the mica flux limit comes from the possibility of a large probability for forming proton-monopole states