Anomalies and chiral symmetry in QCD

I review some aspects of the interplay between anomalies and chiral symmetry. The quantum anomaly that breaks the U(1) axial symmetry of massless QCD leaves behind a flavor-singlet discrete chiral invariance. When the mass is turned on this residual symmetry has a close connection with the strong CP violating parameter theta. One result is that a first order transition is usually expected when the strong CP violating angle passes through pi. This symmetry can be understood either in terms of effective chiral Lagrangians or in terms of the underlying quark fields.     

Gauge fixing,BRS invariance and Ward identities for randomly stirred flows

The Galilean invariance of the Navier–Stokes equation is shown to be akin to a global gauge symmetry familiar from quantum field theory. This symmetry leads to a multiple counting of infinitely many inertial reference frames in the path integral approach to randomly stirred fluids. This problem is solved by fixing the gauge, i.e., singling out one reference frame. The gauge fixed theory has an underlying Becchi–Rouet–Stora (BRS) symmetry which leads to the Ward identity relating the exact inverse response and vertex functions. This identification of Galilean invariance as a gauge symmetry is explored in detail, for different gauge choices and by performing a rigorous examination of a discretized version of the theory. The Navier–Stokes equation is also invariant under arbitrary rectilinear frame accelerations, known as extended Galilean invariance (EGI). We gauge fix this extended symmetry and derive the generalized Ward identity that follows from the BRS invariance of the gauge-fixed theory. This new Ward identity reduces to the standard one in the limit of zero acceleration. This gauge-fixing approach unambiguously shows that Galilean invariance and EGI constrain only the zero mode of the vertex but none of the higher wavenumber modes.     

Approximate Symmetry Reduction to the Perturbed One-Dimensional Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

The one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a perturbation of polynomial type is considered. Using the approximate symmetry perturbation theory, the approximate symmetries and approximate symmetry reduction equations are obtained.     

Symmetry breaking bifurcations in a circular chain of N coupled logistic maps

A circular chain of N cells with logistic dynamics, coupled together with symmetric nearest neighbor coupling and periodic boundary conditions is investigated. For certain coupling parameters we observe bifurcation of a stable state into two types of period two solutions. By using the symmetry of this Coupled Map Lattice model, we show that the bifurcated system only can have periodic solutions with symmetry group corresponding to certain subgroups of the full symmetry group of the system.     

Isospin Effects of Threshold Energy of Radial Flow in Heavy Ion Collisions

The threshold energies of radial flow in reactions of ^40 Ca-^40Ca and ^48Ca＋ ^48Ca in central collisions are investigated within an isospin dependent quantum molecular dynamics model by using three different forms of symmetry energy. It is found that the neutron-rich system has smaller threshold energy of radial flow and this quantity depends on the form of symmetry potential. It is indicated that the threshold energy of radial flow can provide a new method to determine the symmetry energy of asymmetric nuclear matter.     

Sensitive Probe for Symmetry Potential

Based on both very obvious isospin effect of the neutron-proton number ratio of nucleon emissions （n/p）nud on symmetry potential and （n/p）nucl＇s sensitive dependence on symmetry potential in the nuclear reactions induced by halo-neutron projectiles, compared to the same mass stable projectile, probing symmetry potential is investigated within the isospin-dependent quantum molecular dynamics with isospin and momentum-dependent interactions for different symmetry potentials U;ym and U2^sym. It is found that the neutron-halo projectile induces very obvious increase of （n/p）nucl and strengthens the dependence of （n/p） l on the symmetry potential for all the beam energies and impact parameters, compared to the same mass stable projectile under the same incident channel condition. Therefore （n/p）nucl induced by the neutron-halo projectile is a more favourable probe than the normal neutron-rich and neutron-poor projectiles for extracting the symmetry potential.     

Global systematics of the Wigner energy

Following Zeldes, double-beta decay Q   values are used as a filter for extracting symmetry energy and Wigner energy coefficients across the full range of nuclei, from A=10$A=10$ to A=246$A=246$. The symmetry coefficient extracted is found to vary smoothly with A and mass formula coefficients can be determined for the corresponding symmetry and surface symmetry terms. However, the extracted Wigner coefficient has large standard errors and fluctuates dramatically with A, even as regards its sign. Shell corrections remove most of the fluctuations and allow the determination of a reliable Wigner coefficient for the mass formula.     

Two-dimensional supersymmetry: From SUSY quantum mechanics to integrable classical models

Two known two-dimensional SUSY quantum mechanical constructions—the direct generalization of SUSY with first-order supercharges and higher-order SUSY with second-order supercharges—are combined for a class of 2-dim quantum models, which are not amenable to separation of variables. The appropriate classical limit of quantum systems allows us to construct SUSY-extensions of original classical scalar Hamiltonians. Special emphasis is placed on the symmetry properties of the models thus obtained—the explicit expressions of quantum symmetry operators and of classical integrals of motion are given for all (scalar and matrix) components of SUSY-extensions. Using Grassmanian variables, the symmetry operators and classical integrals of motion are written in a unique form for the whole Superhamiltonian. The links of the approach to the classical Hamilton-Jacobi method for related “flipped” potentials are established.     

The breaking of quantum double symmetries by defect condensation

In this paper, we study the phenomenon of Hopf or more specifically quantum double symmetry breaking. We devise a criterion for this type of symmetry breaking which is more general than the one originally proposed in F.A. Bais, B.J. Schroers, J.K. Slingerland [Broken quantum symmetry and confinement phases in planar physics, Phys. Rev. Lett. 89 (2002) 181601]; Hopf symmetry breaking and confinement in (2+1)-dimensional gauge theory, JHEP 05 (2003) 068], and therefore extends the number of possible breaking patterns that can be described consistently. We start by recalling why the extended symmetry notion of quantum double algebras is an optimal tool when analyzing a wide variety of two-dimensional physical systems including quantum fluids, crystals and liquid crystals. The power of this approach stems from the fact that one may characterize both ordinary and topological modes as representations of a single (generally nonabelian) Hopf symmetry. In principle a full classification of defect mediated as well as ordinary symmetry breaking patterns and subsequent confinement phenomena can be given. The formalism applies equally well to systems exhibiting global, local, internal and/or external (i.e. spatial) symmetries. The subtle differences in interpretation for the various situations are pointed out. We show that the Hopf symmetry breaking formalism reproduces the known results for ordinary (electric) condensates, and we derive formulae for defect (magnetic) condensates which also involve the phenomenon of symmetry restoration. These results are applied in two papers which will be published in parallel [C.J.M. Mathy, F.A. Bais, Nematic phases and the breaking of double symmetries, arXiv:cond-mat/0602109, 2006; F.A. Bais, C.J.M. Mathy, Defect mediated melting and the breaking of quantum double symmetries, arXiv:cond-mat/0602101, 2006].     

Nuclear symmetry energy effects in finite nuclei and neutron star

Within a relativistic mean-field model with nonlinear isoscalar–isovector coupling, we explore the possibility of constraining the density dependence of nuclear symmetry energy from a systematic study of the neutron skin thickness of finite nuclei and neutron star properties. We find the present skin data supports a rather stiff symmetry energy at subsaturation densities that corresponds to a soft symmetry energy at supranormal densities. Correlation between the skin of ²⁰⁸Pb and the neutron star masses and radii with kaon condensation has been studied. We find that ²⁰⁸Pb skin estimate suggest star radii that reveals considerable model dependence. Thus precise measurements of neutron star radii in conjunction with skin thickness of heavy nuclei could provide significant constraint on the density dependence of symmetry energy.     

The radial problem in gauge field theory models

The study of spontaneous symmetry breaking patterns in theories in which the ground state is determined by the minima of a potential invariant under the symmetry group of the system may be traced back to the solution of two classes of problems, that we shall quote in Tolédano and Dmitriev’s suggestive words [P. Tolédano, V. Dmitriev, Reconstructive Phase Transitions in Crystals and Quasicrystals, World Scientific, Singapore, 1996] as angular and radial problem, respectively. Whilst the former problem, i.e., the determination of the isotropy-type stratification, has been extensively treated both in condensed matter physics and in particle physics, the radial problem, in particular the construction of the phenomenological potential allowing the realization of all the symmetry allowed symmetry phases, has up to now substantially been disregarded in gauge field theory, because renormalizability limits to four the degree of the Higgs potential and it is widely thought that spontaneous radiative mass generation can anyway fix the issue. Through a rigorous analysis in the framework of geometric invariant theory (-matrix approach) we review these facts, focussing our attention on the role of radiative corrections. Then, we propose a way of reconciling renormalizability requirement and tree-level observability of all the phases allowed by the symmetry. The idea will be illustrated in simple extensions of two-Higgs-doublet SM, with additional scalar singlets and discrete symmetries. This will allow us to explain the rationale behind all the extensions of the Higgs sectors so far proposed to generate the observed Baryon asymmetry of our Universe at the EW Phase Transition.     

Mean field at finite temperature and symmetry breaking

For an infinite system of nucleons interacting through a central spin-isospin schematic force we discuss how the Hartree-Fock theory at finite temperature T yields back, in the T=0 limit, the standard zero-temperature Feynman theory when there is no symmetry breaking. The attention is focused on the mechanism of cancellation of the higher order Hartree-Fock diagrams and on the dependence of this cancellation upon the range of the interaction. When a symmetry breaking takes place it turns out that more iterations are required to reach the self-consistent Hartree-Fock solution, because the cancellation of the Hartree-Fock diagrams of order higher than one no longer occurs. We explore in particular the case of an explicit symmetry breaking induced by a constant, uniform magnetic field B acting on a system of neutrons. Here we compare calculations performed using either the single-particle Matsubara propagator or the zero-temperature polarization propagator, discussing under which perturbative scheme they lead to identical results (if B is not too large). We finally address the issue of the spontaneous symmetry breaking for a system of neutrons using the technique of the anomalous propagator: in this framework we recover the Stoner equation and the critical values of the interaction corresponding to a transition to a ferromagnetic phase.     

-wave nonadiabatic superconductivity

The inclusion of nonadiabatic corrections to the electron-phonon interaction leads to a strong momentum dependence in the generalized Eliashberg equations beyond Migdal's limit. For a s-wave symmetry of the order parameter, this induced momentum dependence leads to an enhancement of when small momentum transfer is dominant. Here we study how the d-wave symmetry affects the above behavior. We find that the nonadiabatic corrections depend only weakly on the symmetry of the order parameter provided that only small momentum scatterings are allowed for the electron-phonon interaction. In this situation, We show that also for a d-wave symmetry of the order parameter, the nonadiabatic corrections enhance . We also discuss the possible interplay and crossover between s- and d-wave depending on the material's parameters. Received 12 May 2000     

Quantum competitions between the effects of the interlayer exchange couplings and the magnetically structural symmetry in a four-layer ferrimagnetic superlattice

The magnon energy spectra, the sublayer magnetization and the quantum fluctuations in a ferrimagnetic superlattice consisting of four different magnetic sublayers are studied by employing the linear spin-wave approach and Green's function technique. The effects of the interlayer exchange couplings and the spin quantum numbers on the sublayer magnetization and the quantum fluctuations of the systems are discussed for three different spin configurations. The roles of quantum competitions among the interlayer exchange couplings and the symmetry of the different spin configurations have been understood. The magnetizations of some sublayers increase monotonously, while those of others can exhibit their maximum, and the quantum fluctuations of the whole superlattice system can show a minimum when one of the antiferromagnetic interlayer exchange couplings increases. This is due to the quantum competition/transmission of effects of the interlayer exchange couplings. When the spin quantum number of sublayers varies, the system goes through from a quantum region of small spin numbers to a classical region of large spin numbers. The quantum fluctuations of the system exhibit a maximum as a function of the spin quantum number of a sublayer, which is related with higher symmetry of the system. It belongs to the type III Shubnikov group of magnetic groups. This magnetically structural symmetry consists of not only the symmetry of space group, but also the symmetry of the direction and strength of spins.     

Entanglement, quantum phase transition and fixed-point bifurcation in the N-atom Jaynes-Cummings model with an additional symmetry breaking term

In the present work we analyze the quantum phase transition (QPT) in the N-atom Jaynes-Cummings model (NJCM) with an additional symmetry breaking interaction term in the Hamiltonian. We show that depending on the type of symmetry breaking term added the transition order can change or not and also the fixed point associated to the classical analogue of the Hamiltonian can bifurcate or not. We present two examples of symmetry broken Hamiltonians and discuss based on them, the interconnection between the transition order, appearance of bifurcation and the behavior of the entanglement.     

Probing Balance Energy Using Momentum- and Isospin-Dependent Potential

Using the momentum- and isospin-dependent Boltmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck （BUU） model, we investigate the transverse flow and balance energy in two isotopic colliding systems ^48Ca＋^58Fe and ^48Cr＋^58Ni by adopting different symmetry potentials. By comparing the results between the two colliding systems, we find that the difference between the balance energies of two isotopic systems can be considered as a sensitive probe to the density dependence of symmetry energy.     

Is chiral symmetry restored in the excited meson spectrum?

The large degeneracy observed in the excited meson spectrum by the Cristal Barrel Collaboration in the experimental data on proton–antiproton annihilation in flight into mesons in the range 1.9–2.4 GeV has been interpreted as a signal of chiral symmetry restoration. In this work we suggest that such degeneracy may be an indication of the confinement potential modification by color screening. The experimental data can be fairly well reproduced in a constituent quark model with a screened linear confinement potential without changing the dynamical quark mass. Observables that could discriminate our model from those which explicitly restore the chiral symmetry are proposed.     

Two elementary proofs of the Wigner theorem on symmetry in quantum mechanics

In quantum theory, symmetry has to be defined necessarily in terms of the family of unit rays, the state space. The theorem of Wigner asserts that a symmetry so defined at the level of rays can always be lifted into a linear unitary or an antilinear antiunitary operator acting on the underlying Hilbert space. We present two proofs of this theorem which are both elementary and economical. Central to our proofs is the recognition that a given Wigner symmetry can, by post-multiplication by a unitary symmetry, be taken into either the identity or complex conjugation. Our analysis often focuses on the behaviour of certain two-dimensional subspaces of the Hilbert space under the action of a given Wigner symmetry, but the relevance of this behaviour to the larger picture of the whole Hilbert space is made transparent at every stage.