Article: Higgs Boson in Superconductors

[DrDu]

I ran into the following article by Varma, Higgs Boson in Superconductors
http://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0109409

Varma compares the Gross-Pitaevskii equation with the Higgs Lagrangian and calculates the elementary excitations. He shows that although symmetry is broken in both cases, Higgs type excitations are absent in the G-P equation although it looks very similar to the Higgs equation, the main difference being that the former is only first order in t.
He then shows why in Superconductors one nevertheless obtains Higgs type excitations which he identified in experimental spectra together with Littlewood in 1982.
It is interesting how easily -at least my- intuition gets lost in QFT.

 

[eljose79]

Hello, thank you for sharing this article by Varma. I find it fascinating how the similarities and differences between the Gross-Pitaevskii (G-P) equation and the Higgs Lagrangian can lead to such different results in terms of excitations. It's a great reminder of how subtle differences in mathematical equations can have significant impacts on physical phenomena.

I agree with Varma's observation that our intuition can sometimes get lost in quantum field theory. It's a complex and ever-evolving field of study, and it's important for scientists to constantly challenge our assumptions and keep an open mind to new ideas and discoveries.

In regards to Varma's work on Higgs type excitations in superconductors, it's exciting to see how this theory has been confirmed in experimental spectra. As scientists, it's always a thrill to see our theoretical predictions validated through experimentation.

Overall, I think Varma's research adds valuable insights to our understanding of superconductors and the Higgs mechanism. I look forward to seeing how this work continues to develop and potentially inform future studies in this area. Thank you again for sharing this article.