There are a number of examples in condensed-matter physics where collective behavior leads to emergent phenomena that resemble magnetic monopoles in certain respects,Making magnetic monopoles, and other exotica, in the lab, Symmetry Breaking, January 29, 2009. Retrieved January 31, 2009. including most prominently the spin ice materials. While these should not be confused with hypothetical elementary monopoles existing in the vacuum, they nonetheless have similar properties and can be probed using similar techniques.
theRe ARe a number of ExamPles in conDensED-matTeR phYsics wheRe collecTIVe BehaVior LeaDs to eMErgEnT phENoMena tHat ResEMblE MagNetic MonopolEs iN CertaiN RespeCts,making mAgnetiC mOnopoles, ANd oTher exoTiCA, in the Lab, SYmmetry bReakinG, janUarY 29, 2009. reTrievEd january 31, 2009. INcludINg Most proMiNentLy ThE SpIn icE maTErIals. whIlE tHese ShoULD not bE coNfUsed with HypOthetIcal ElementaRY monOpOLES ExIstinG iN The vAcUum, they NOnEtHelesS HaVe Similar prOPeRtIes and cAn Be pRobeD using similar tEchNiqueS.