Is a Hadron a Quasiparticle in Condensed Matter Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of hadrons within the framework of condensed matter physics, specifically whether hadrons can be considered quasiparticles. Participants explore the implications of this classification, comparing concepts from quantum field theory (QFT) in high-energy physics to those in condensed matter physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that hadrons, as bound states of quarks and gluons, could be viewed as collective excitations in a condensed-matter context.
  • Others argue that hadrons do not fit the definition of quasiparticles due to their insufficient number of constituents and the requirement for a macroscopic amount of substance in statistical mechanics.
  • A participant questions the importance of statistical mechanics in defining quasiparticles, suggesting that quasiparticles might have definitions outside this context.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of phonons as quasiparticles, with some participants noting that phonons require a many-body system, which raises questions about the applicability of the concept to hadrons.
  • Some participants express an intuition that hadrons are more "emergent" than elementary particles like quarks and gluons, although they are uncertain how to articulate this intuition effectively.
  • The concept of a cutoff in QFT is debated, with some suggesting that it complicates the analogy between elementary particles and quasiparticles.
  • References to Weinberg's quasiparticle method are made, highlighting differences between his notion of quasiparticles and those in condensed matter physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether hadrons can be classified as quasiparticles. Multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and implications of quasiparticles in both high-energy and condensed matter physics.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on definitions of quasiparticles, the role of statistical mechanics, and the implications of using a cutoff in QFT. These factors contribute to the complexity of the discussion without leading to clear resolutions.

  • #31
A. Neumaier said:
But physics is about predictive formalisms, not about profound truths. The latter are reserved for the informal interpretation of the formalism.
To defend 't Hooft I would say that physics is not only about predictive formalism, but also about ideas that justify that formalism. Indeed, the 't Hooft lectures on QFT (as pretty much any other QFT textbook) starts with some heuristic ideas and ends up with some predictive formalism.
 
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  • #32
Demystifier said:
To defend 't Hooft I would say that physics is not only about predictive formalism, but also about ideas that justify that formalism. Indeed, the 't Hooft lectures on QFT (as pretty much any other QFT textbook) starts with some heuristic ideas and ends up with some predictive formalism.
Sure, lots of heuristics precedes the formulation of a working model.

The point that I had wanted to make is that atyy's initial quote in post #25 was taken out of context and doesn't make the standard model ''condensed matter in spirit" - it only creates an informal bridge between the two.
 
Last edited:
  • #33
A. Neumaier said:
The point that I had wanted to make is that your initial quote in post #25 was taken out of context and doesn't make the standard model ''condensed matter in spirit" - it only creates an informal bridge between the two.
That post was written by atyy, not me. I agree that it only makes an informal bridge.
 
  • #34
Demystifier said:
That post was written by atyy, not me. I agree that it only makes an informal bridge.
corrected.
 

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