Is the Concept of Vacuum in Physics Truly Lorentz Invariant?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of vacuum in physics, particularly focusing on whether the vacuum is Lorentz invariant. Participants explore different types of vacuums, including classical and quantum vacuums, and their implications in quantum field theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that a classical vacuum is defined as a space with few to no molecules, emphasizing that a perfect vacuum does not exist, even in outer space.
  • Others differentiate between classical and quantum vacuums, stating that the Higgs field represents a quantum vacuum state, which is not simply empty space but contains transient electromagnetic waves and particles.
  • One participant lists various types of vacuums in quantum field theory, including the Higgs vacuum, electroweak vacuum, and QCD vacuum, questioning if these are the only vacuums recognized in the field.
  • A later reply raises the question of what equations in quantum field theory demonstrate the vacuum's Lorentz invariance, suggesting that some articles propose Lorentz invariance may be an effective theory, which could imply the vacuum might not be Lorentz invariant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of vacuum and its Lorentz invariance, with no consensus reached regarding the implications of Lorentz invariance on the vacuum concept.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of vacuum, the implications of various vacuum states in quantum field theory, and the interpretation of Lorentz invariance as potentially being an effective theory.

jake jot
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We live in an atmosphere with pressure of 14.7 psi. People never thought of it in ancient times. We don't live in vacuum.

The higgs field is non zero too. What are the other vacuums in physics that is also none zero? Is there none where we are exposed to raw vacuum?
 
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A classical vacuum is simply a space where there are few to no molecules floating about. There is no perfect vacuum not even in outer space.

You can read more about classical vacuums here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum

The Higgs field is something altogether different from a classical vacuum. It refers to a quantum vacuum state which means the particle is in its lowest possible energy state.

In quantum field theory, the quantum vacuum state (also called the quantum vacuum or vacuum state) is the quantum state with the lowest possible energy. Generally, it contains no physical particles. Zero-point field is sometimes used as a synonym for the vacuum state of an individual quantized field.

According to present-day understanding of what is called the vacuum state or the quantum vacuum, it is "by no means a simple empty space".[1][2] According to quantum mechanics, the vacuum state is not truly empty but instead contains fleeting electromagnetic waves and particles that pop into and out of existence.[3][4][5]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_vacuum_state

So while both concepts use the term vacuums, they are very much different ideas.
 
jedishrfu said:
A classical vacuum is simply a space where there are few to no molecules floating about. There is no perfect vacuum not even in outer space.

You can read more about classical vacuums here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum

The Higgs field is something altogether different from a classical vacuum. It refers to a quantum vacuum state which means the particle is in its lowest possible energy state.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_vacuum_state

So while both concepts use the term vacuums, they are very much different ideas.

In quantum field theory, how many vacuums are there? I have thought of the following:

1. Higgs vacuum
2. Electroweak vacuum
3. QCD vacuum

Are these the only vacuums in qft? I wasn't asking about the classical vacuum.
 
What equations in quantum field theory prove the vacuum is Lorentz invariant?

There are many articles now such as by Gell-Mann that say Lorentz invariance is just an effective theory. If this were true, that means it is still possible for the vacuum to be like the ocean which is not Lorentz Invariant? So the equations proving Lorentz invariant could only be a temporary lower limit?
 

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