What is meant by the term gauge singlet ?

In summary, a gauge singlet is a term used in physics to describe a particle or field that is unaffected by a specific symmetry transformation. This term is often used in discussions about gauge invariance and supersymmetry, where certain fields must be gauge singlets in order for the theory to be consistent. Examples of gauge singlets include the neutrino, the electron, and the Higgs boson.
  • #1
arroy_0205
129
0
What is meant by the term "gauge singlet"?

Can anybody please explain what is meant by the term "gauge singlet"?
To be more specific, I got the term in a discussion on wess-zumino lagrangian where the superpotential contains the term:[tex]a_i \phi_i [/tex]. The author claims that in order the theory to be gauge invariant and invariant under susy, the fields present in this term must be gauge singlets. I do not understand this at all. (The fields mentioned are left handed chiral superfields.)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Singlet means that something is inaffacted by a certain symmetry transformation.

Examples:

The neutrino is a U(1) - electric charge singlet.

The electron is a SU(3) - color singlet

The Higgs boson is a Lorentz: SO(3,1) - singlet (scalar particle)
 
  • Like
Likes edfink234
  • #3


In other worlds, "neutral"; zero charge.
 

1. What is a gauge singlet?

A gauge singlet is a term used in particle physics to describe a particle or field that does not interact with the gauge field of a particular force. This means that the particle or field does not carry the quantum number associated with that force, and therefore does not participate in interactions mediated by that force.

2. What are some examples of gauge singlets?

Some examples of gauge singlets include the Higgs boson, which does not interact with the strong or weak nuclear forces, and the neutrino, which does not interact with the strong or electromagnetic forces.

3. How are gauge singlets different from gauge non-singlets?

Gauge singlets and gauge non-singlets differ in their interactions with gauge fields. Gauge singlets do not interact with a particular gauge field, while gauge non-singlets do interact with that gauge field. This affects their behavior and properties in particle interactions.

4. Why are gauge singlets important in particle physics?

Gauge singlets play a crucial role in the Standard Model of particle physics, as they help explain the origin of mass and other fundamental properties of particles. They also have important implications for understanding the behavior of particles in the universe and in high-energy experiments.

5. How are gauge singlets related to the concept of symmetry breaking?

Gauge singlets are closely related to the concept of symmetry breaking in particle physics. In the Standard Model, the Higgs boson is a gauge singlet that is responsible for breaking the electroweak symmetry and giving mass to particles. The study of gauge singlets can provide insights into the mechanisms of symmetry breaking and its role in the fundamental forces of nature.

Similar threads

I SU(3) Gauge Group: QCD & SM Invariance Explained
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
27
Views
4K
I Are SM B & L conservation violations through sphalerons possible?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
932
A What does gauge theory explain?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
I What Does Gauge Invariance Tell Us About Reality?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Why must the Higgs' gauge symmetry be broken?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
Coupling to gauge fields - charge, doublets, etc.
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
2K
A The double copy of (2,0) theory
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the meaning of the local gauge transformation exactly?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
10
Views
7K
Gauge Invariance and the Photon Self-Energy Correction
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
3K
A SU(5), 'Standard Model decomposition', direct sum etc.
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
23
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top