Can spontaneously broken gauge theories be asym free?

In summary, a spontaneously broken gauge theory is a type of quantum field theory where the symmetry is broken in the vacuum state, resulting in a non-zero value for the vacuum expectation value of the Higgs field. An asym free gauge theory has no asymmetry between particles and antiparticles, ensuring consistency with the principle of charge conjugation. However, not all spontaneously broken gauge theories are asym free, but they can still be valid and successful theories. Scientists study the asymmetry of gauge theories using various experimental techniques. The implications of a spontaneously broken gauge theory being asym free include consistency with charge conjugation and more precise predictions of particle behavior.
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metroplex021
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Hi folks -- it is my understanding that only non-Abelian gauge theories can be asymptotically free. But can anyone provide me with a canonical reference showing that such symmetries can be dynamically broken and still retain that status? I gather that this is the case (from reading the original papers by Gross and Wilczek, etc), but haven't managed to find anything where this is explicitly shown.

Any help would be much appreciated!
 
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1. What is a spontaneously broken gauge theory?

A spontaneously broken gauge theory is a type of quantum field theory in which the symmetry of the theory is broken in the vacuum state, resulting in a non-zero value for the vacuum expectation value of the Higgs field. This leads to the appearance of mass for certain particles in the theory.

2. What does it mean for a gauge theory to be asym free?

An asym free gauge theory is one in which there is no asymmetry between particles and antiparticles. This is important because it ensures that the theory is consistent with the principle of charge conjugation, which states that particles and their corresponding antiparticles should behave in the same way in all interactions.

3. Can spontaneously broken gauge theories be asym free in all cases?

No, not all spontaneously broken gauge theories are asym free. In fact, some theories, such as the Standard Model of particle physics, require the breaking of symmetry in order to explain the observed masses of particles. In these cases, the theory is not asym free, but it is still a valid and successful theory.

4. How do scientists study the asymmetry of gauge theories?

Scientists use a variety of experimental techniques to study the asymmetry of gauge theories. For example, they may use particle accelerators to create and observe particles and antiparticles, or they may study the decay rates of particles and antiparticles to look for any differences in behavior.

5. What are the implications of a spontaneously broken gauge theory being asym free?

If a spontaneously broken gauge theory is asym free, it means that the theory is consistent with the principle of charge conjugation, which is an important aspect of particle physics. It also allows for more precise predictions of the behavior of particles and their interactions, making it a valuable tool for understanding the fundamental laws of nature.

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