'Extra' terms in Abelian Higgs model

In summary, the conversation discusses a simple Abelian Higgs model with a Lagrangian and potential given by known equations. The unitary gauge is used and after symmetry breaking, the expected interaction and mass terms are obtained. The conversation concludes with a confirmation that some extra terms cancel each other out.
  • #1
bomanfishwow
27
0
I'm taking 5 mins (hours) during some down-time to remind myself of some theory. Taking a simple Abelian Higgs model, where the Lagrangian is given by:

[tex]\mathcal{L} = |D_\mu\Phi|^2 - \frac{1}{4}F_{\mu\nu}F^{\mu\nu} - V(\Phi)[/tex]

With the covariant derivative, field strength tensor and potential given by:

[tex]D_\mu = \delta_\mu - ig_\mu[/tex],
[tex]F_{\mu\nu} = \delta_\nu A_\mu - \delta_\mu A_\nu[/tex],
[tex]V(\Phi) = \lambda|\bar{\Phi}\Phi|^2 - \mu^2\bar{\Phi}\Phi[/tex].

I'm working in the unitary gauge, such that [tex]\Phi[/tex] is given by:

[tex]\Phi = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\left(v + H\right)[/tex].

Taking the expanded potential after symmetry breaking, and plugging into [tex]|D_\mu\Phi|^2[/tex] like:

[tex]|D_\mu\Phi|^2 = D_\mu\Phi^*D^\mu\Phi = \frac{1}{2}\left[\left(\delta_\mu +igA_\mu\right)\left(v+H\right)\left(\delta^\mu - igA^\mu\right)\left(v+H\right)\right][/tex]

yields the expected interaction and mass terms. Some of the 'extra' terms trivially cancel as they contain derivatives of constants such as [tex]\delta_\mu v[/tex]. However, there are some extra terms which I don't see mentioned in the standard texts:

[tex]-ig\left[\delta_\mu H\right] HA^\mu[/tex]
[tex]-igv\delta_\mu HA^\mu[/tex]
[tex]igHA_\mu\delta^\mu H[/tex]
[tex]igvA_\mu\delta^\mu H[/tex].

Can anyone suggest a) if I've done something wrong b) if these terms also disappear c) Something else...

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
You did it right, and those 4 terms cancel one another.

[tex]|D_{\mu}\phi|^2 = \frac{1}{2} [(\partial_{\mu} - ieA_{\mu})(v+H)] [(\partial^{\mu} + ieA^{\mu})(v+H)] = \frac{1}{2}[\partial_{\mu}H\partial^{\mu}H + e^2A_{\mu}A^{\mu}(v+H)^2 + ieA^{\mu}(v+H)\partial_{\mu}H - ieA_{\mu}(v+H)\partial^{\mu}H][/tex]

Because of the summation over [tex]\mu[/tex], we have for the third term [tex]ieA^{\mu}(v+H)\partial_{\mu}H = ieA_{\mu}(v+H)\partial^{\mu}H[/tex], cancelling the last term.

Cheers,
Sebas
 
  • #3
Ah yes of course, thank you.
 

1. What are 'extra' terms in the Abelian Higgs model?

'Extra' terms in the Abelian Higgs model refer to additional terms that are added to the equations of the standard Abelian Higgs model. These terms are introduced to account for certain phenomena that are not accounted for in the standard model, such as strong interactions and symmetry breaking.

2. Why are 'extra' terms necessary in the Abelian Higgs model?

'Extra' terms are necessary in the Abelian Higgs model to accurately describe the behavior of particles at high energy levels. The standard model is unable to fully explain certain phenomena, so 'extra' terms are added to improve its predictive power.

3. How do 'extra' terms affect the equations of the Abelian Higgs model?

The 'extra' terms in the Abelian Higgs model alter the equations by introducing additional variables and parameters. This can lead to changes in the behavior of particles and the overall predictions of the model.

4. Can 'extra' terms in the Abelian Higgs model be experimentally verified?

Yes, the 'extra' terms in the Abelian Higgs model can be experimentally verified through high energy particle collisions. By observing the behavior of particles at high energy levels, scientists can test the predictions of the model with and without the 'extra' terms.

5. Are 'extra' terms unique to the Abelian Higgs model?

No, 'extra' terms are not unique to the Abelian Higgs model. Similar additional terms are also used in other models, such as the Standard Model of particle physics, to account for phenomena that are not explained by the standard equations.

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