Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the symmetries present in superfluids, specifically exploring the global U(1) symmetry mentioned in literature and inquiring about other potential symmetries. The scope includes theoretical aspects of superfluidity and references to academic texts and articles.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants note the existence of a global U(1) symmetry in superfluids and inquire about additional symmetries.
- One participant references Kardar's "Statistical Physics of Particles" but is uncertain about the discussion of symmetries in superfluid He^4.
- Another participant mentions an article discussing U(1) symmetry in superfluid neutron stars, highlighting the phonon as a Goldstone mode associated with symmetry breaking.
- One participant suggests that the absence of other symmetries in search results may imply that no other symmetries are currently known.
- Another participant argues that since U(1) is described as the simplest symmetry, there must be other symmetries, citing Schmitt's book.
- A later reply introduces the idea of space-time symmetry transformations, including Galilean symmetry, as relevant to typical superfluids described by the Gross-Pitaevskii equation.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying opinions on the existence of other symmetries beyond U(1), with some suggesting that additional symmetries may exist while others question their known status. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the identification of other symmetries in superfluids.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference specific texts and articles, but there are limitations in the discussion regarding the completeness of the information on symmetries and the dependence on definitions of superfluidity.