What Is the Compact Group of Global Symmetry for This Lagrangian?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying the compact group of global symmetry for a specific Lagrangian involving two complex scalar fields, defined as L={\partial_\mu \phi_1^*}{\partial_\mu \phi_1}+{\partial_\mu \phi_2^*}{\partial_\mu \phi_2}-\lambda(\phi_1^* \phi_1 - \phi_2^* \phi_2 - v^2)^2. Participants confirm the presence of the U(1) symmetry but suggest that additional symmetries may exist. The method to determine the symmetry group involves calculating the change in the Lagrangian using transformations defined by \delta \phi_{ a } = i ( \epsilon \cdot T )_{ a b } \phi_{ b } and setting \delta \mathcal{L} = 0 to derive conditions for the matrices T. Additionally, finding the Noether current and its associated algebra is recommended to fully characterize the symmetry group.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics and scalar fields
  • Familiarity with Noether's theorem and its application
  • Knowledge of symmetry groups, specifically U(1) and compact groups
  • Ability to perform calculations involving transformations and Lagrangian variations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Noether currents for various Lagrangians
  • Explore the properties of compact Lie groups in the context of field theory
  • Learn about the implications of symmetry breaking in scalar field theories
  • Investigate the role of potential terms in determining symmetry properties
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, as well as graduate students tackling advanced topics in symmetry and Lagrangian formulations.

shir
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Hi guys, have a very tricky question on my HW to find compact group of global symmetry to this Lagrangian of 2 complex scalar fields
L={\partial_\mu \phi_1^*}{\partial_\mu \phi_1}+{\partial_\mu \phi_2^*}{\partial_\mu \phi_2}-\lambda(\phi_1^* \phi_1 - \phi_2^* \phi_2 - v^2)^2
and I can't figure it out because of the minus in potential part \phi_1^* \phi_1 - \phi_2^* \phi_2

Do you have any ideas how to solve it?.
P.S. Of course there is U(1) group, but i think there should be something else.
Thank's.
 
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Write
\delta \phi_{ a } = i ( \epsilon \cdot T )_{ a b } \phi_{ b } , \ \ (a,b) = 1 , 2 , ..., 4
Then calculate the change in the Lagrangian (do not use the equation of motion), then set \delta \mathcal{ L } = 0 and see what kind of condition you get for the matrices T. This will determind the symmetry group.
You can also find the Noether current associated with the above transformations (here you can use the equation of motion), then find the algebra generated by the Noether charges. This also determine the symmetry group for you.
 
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