Particle-hole Symmetry: Definition & Resources

[znbhckcs]

Hi
I've heard this term a few times and I couldn't find a definition in textbooks..
What is the definition of Particle-hole symmetry?
I gather it's something like taking c -> c⁺ , but is there a definition of an symmetry operator that commutes with the hamiltonian or something?
What does it mean, anyway?

Where can I read about this symmetry?

Thanks

 

[enrico85IT]

You are probably referring to the Dirac theory of antimatter (which is a relativistic quantum theory for fermions). According to this theory, an electron with negative energy can absorb electromagnetic energy (photons) and be in an excited state with positive energy, in this case you will see an electron charge -e and energy E, together with a hole in the negative energy sea, that seen in the sea as the absence of a charge -e and energy -E, is interpreted as a charge +e with energy E, it is expected that the creation of electron-positron pairs. Similarly, in the presence of a hole an electron of positive energy can "fall" into it, releasing radiation, and this is the phenomenon of annihilation.

Then the symmetry to which you referring therefore, is on the matter - antimatter, the CPT symmetry.

 

[guyingfei]

When you consider a "effective theory" you don't care what on hell the particle is, a hole or a real particle.