On the topological charge of SO(2) gauged Skyrmions in 2+1 and 3+1 dimensions

The question of the dependence of the topological charge $q$ of a gauged Skyrmion, on the gauge field, is studied quantitatively. Two examples, both gauged with $SO(2)$ are studied and contrasted: i) The $O(3)$ model in $2+1$ dimensions, and ii) The $O(4)$ model in $3+1$ dimensions. In case i), where the (usual) Chern-Simons (CS) term is present, the value of $q$ changes sign, going through zero. This evolution is tracked by a parameter characterising the solutions in the given theory. In case ii), in which dimensions no CS density is available, the evolution of $q$ is not observed.