Vortices and Fractons

Abstract: We discuss a simple and experimentally available realization of fracton physics. We note that superfluid vortices form a Hamiltonian system that conserves total dipole moment and trace of the quadrupole moment of vorticity; thereby establishing a relation to a traceless scalar charge theory in two spatial dimensions. Next we consider the limit where the number of vortices is large and show that emergent vortex hydrodynamics also conserves these moments. Finally, we show the motion of vortices and of fractons on curved surfaces agree, thereby opening a route to experimental study of the interplay between fracton physics and curved space. Our conclusions also apply to charged particles in strong magnetic field.