Abstract
It may happen that the symmetry in the Lagrangian is broken for some reason and is not apparent. This is called a broken or hidden symmetry. In this case, a quantum of the gauge field corresponding to the broken or hidden symmetry acquires mass, in contrast to the photon. In this chapter, we will discuss a mechanism whereby the symmetry in the Lagrangian is broken.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
In this section, the notation ϕ μ means ∂ μ ϕ, following the original article by T. Kibble [150].
References
M. Gell-Mann, M. Levy, The axial vector current in beta decay. Nuovo Cim. 16, 705 (1960)
Y. Nambu, G. Jona-Lasinio, Dynamical model of elementary particles based on an analogy with superconductivity. I. Phys. Rev. 122, 345 (1961)
Y. Nambu, G. Jona-Lasinio, Dynamical model of elementary particles based on an analogy with superconductivity. II. Phys. Rev. 124, 246 (1961)
J. Goldstone, Field theories with superconductor solutions. Nuovo Cim. 19, 154 (1961)
F. Englert, R. Brout, Broken symmetry and the mass of gauge vector mesons. Phys. Rev. Lett. 13, 321 (1964)
P.W. Higgs, Broken symmetries, massless particles and gauge fields. Phys. Lett. 12, 132 (1964)
P.W. Higgs, Broken symmetries and the masses of gauge bosons. Phys. Rev. Lett. 13, 508 (1964)
P.W. Higgs, Spontaneous symmetry breakdown without massless bosons. Phys. Rev. 145, 1156 (1966)
N. Nakanishi, Indefinite-metric quantum theory of genuine and Higgs-type massive vector fields. Prog. Theor. Phys. 49, 640 (1973)
P.W. Anderson, Plasmons, gauge invariance, and mass. Phys. Rev. 130, 439 (1963)
T.W.B. Kibble, Symmetry breaking in non-Abelian gauge theories. Phys. Rev. 155, 1554 (1967)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature B.V.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Nishijima, K., Chaichian, M., Tureanu, A. (2023). Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking. In: Chaichian, M., Tureanu, A. (eds) Quantum Field Theory. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-2190-3_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-2190-3_15
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-024-2189-7
Online ISBN: 978-94-024-2190-3
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyPhysics and Astronomy (R0)