Non-Abelian vortices and monopoles in SO(N) theories

Non-Abelian BPS vortex solutions are constructed in N = 2 theories with gauge groups SO(N) x U(1). The model has N-f flavors of chiral multiplets in the vector representation of SO(N), and we consider a color-flavor locked vacuum in which the gauge symmetry is completely broken, leaving a global SO(N)(C+F) diagonal symmetry unbroken. Individual vortices break this symmetry, acquiring continuous non-Abelian orientational moduli. By embedding this model in high-energy theories with a hierarchical symmetry breaking pattern such as SO(N + 2) -> SO(N) x U(I) -> 1, the correspondence between non-Abelian monopoles and vortices can be established through homotopy maps and flux matching, generalizing the known results in SU(N) theories. We find some interesting hints about the dual (non-Abelian) transformation properties among the monopoles. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved