\(\text{SU}(2)\) monopoles of charge \(2\) (Q799286)

The result is: the moduli space of \(k=2\) \(\text{SU}(2)\)-monopoles \(M\) is diffeomorphic to \(\mathbb R^ 3\times T(\mathbb P^ 2(\mathbb R))/\pm =\mathbb R^ 3\times (\mathbb S^ 4- \mathbb P^ 2(\mathbb R))\) (\(\pm\) means \(v=-v\) for tangent vectors) and there exists a smooth canonical embedding of \(M\) in \(\mathbb R^ 8\). The author exploits the Hitchin representation of \(\text{SU}(2)\)-monopoles via certain algebraic bundles over \(T(\mathbb P^ 1(\mathbb C))\) and he studies so-called spectral curves which are defined by exact sequences of the bundles. In the case \(k=2\) the spectral curves turn out to be given by polynomials of degree \(<5\). Thus the author applies the classical theory of elliptic functions. In particular he derives a relation between the polynomial coefficients and periods of the Weierstraß function, and in this way he obtains the embedding of \(M\) in \(\mathbb R^ 8\). The case when the spectral curve splits into two intersecting components (Taubes monopoles) claims a special treatment. The above formula for \(M\) is derived by means of matrix representations of spectral curves. Note that an equally simple formula for the moduli space of \(k=2\) instantons is unknown. The paper reveals relations between the 19th century results of Weierstraß and the contemporary gauge field.