Is Chirality Necessary in Theories of Physics?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ChrisVer
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chirality
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Chirality is a fundamental concept in the Standard Model of particle physics, arising from the distinct transformation properties of left and right-handed components under the Lorentz Group, specifically its isomorphism to SU(2)_{L} × SU(2)_{R}. The discussion highlights that compactifying a 5D Dirac Action to a 4D theory can lead to a non-chiral outcome, particularly when the mass term appears as (\bar{\psi}_{R} \psi_{L} - \bar{\psi}_{L} \psi_{R}). This non-chirality can be resolved through orbifold compactification. Additionally, extended supersymmetric theories with N>1 are noted as examples where chirality may not be present, prompting further inquiry into the underlying reasons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Standard Model of particle physics
  • Familiarity with the Lorentz Group and its representations
  • Knowledge of Dirac Actions and their compactification
  • Basic concepts of supersymmetry and its extensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of SU(2)_{L} × SU(2)_{R} in particle physics
  • Study the process of orbifold compactification in theoretical physics
  • Explore the characteristics of extended supersymmetric theories (N>1)
  • Investigate the role of chirality in various physical theories and models
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in particle physics, and researchers interested in the implications of chirality in high-energy physics theories.

ChrisVer
Science Advisor
Messages
3,372
Reaction score
465
I would like to ask, to make it clearer to me, what does chirality means? and how can someone see whether his theory can be chiral or not?
I think chirality in the standard model appears due to the fact that the left and right handed components are transformed not identically under the Lorentz Group (or in other words the Lorentz Group is isomorphic to the SU(2)_{L} \times SU(2)_{R}
One example I came across this question was when I first saw the compactification of a 5D Dirac Action to a 4D one + circle . In that case you end up with a non-chiral theory, and that was because (as it was illustrated to me) the mass term for the zero-th mode, would appear in the form:
(\bar{\psi}_{R} \psi_{L} - \bar{\psi}_{L} \psi_{R})
and due to the minus it was supposed to be non-chiral. The problem is solved once the compactification is done on an orbifold.

However, there are also other cases in which I came across that the theory cannot be chiral. For example the extended supersymmetric theories (N>1). In this case I am still unable to see how that can be true.

Any clues?
Also if you find a mistake in anything I wrote, feel free to correct me.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm sorry you are not generating any responses at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us? Any new findings?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K