Exact results for supersymmetric abelian vortex loops in 2+1 dimensions

We define a class of supersymmetric defect loop operators in N = 2 gauge theories in 2 + 1 dimensions. We give a prescription for computing the expectation value of such operators in a generic N = 2 theory on the three-sphere using localization. We elucidate the role of defect loop operators in IR dualities of supersymmetric gauge theories, and write down their transformation properties under the SL(2, Z ) action on conformal theories with abelian global symmetries.