An Introduction to Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking
by Aron J. Beekman, et al.
Publisher: arXiv.org 2019
Number of pages: 149
Description:
In these lecture notes, starting from a careful definition of symmetry in physics, we introduce symmetry breaking and its consequences. Emphasis is placed on the physics of singular limits, showing the reality of symmetry breaking even in small-sized systems. Topics covered include Nambu-Goldstone modes, quantum corrections, phase transitions, topological defects and gauge fields. We provide many examples from both high energy and condensed matter physics. These notes are suitable for graduate students.
Download or read it online for free here:
Download link
(1.9MB, PDF)
Similar books

by Luis Anchordoqui, Francis Halzen - arXiv
This is a preliminary draft of lecture notes for a (500 level) course in elementary particles. From the table of contents: General Principles; Symmetries and Invariants; QED; Hard Scattering Processes; Precision Electroweak Physics.
(12535 views)

by Niels Walet - UMIST
In these lecture notes the author shall discuss nuclear and particle physics on a somewhat phenomenological level. The mathematical sophistication shall be rather limited, with an emphasis on the physics and on symmetry aspects.
(16540 views)

by Wolfgang Bietenholz - arXiv
This is an introductory review about the on-going search for a signal of Lorentz Invariance Violation (LIV) in cosmic rays. The author first summarizes basic aspects of cosmic rays, focusing on rays of ultra high energy (UHECRs).
(16927 views)

by Avelino Vicente - arXiv
In this course we will learn how to use the computer tools -- such as SARAH, MicrOmegas, MadGraph, SPheno or FlavorKit -- to explore new physics models and get robust numerical predictions to probe them in current and future experiments.
(8070 views)