[2606.05562] Charting the different phases of Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons-Higgs theories
arxiv.org
Physicists mapping the hidden phase structure of Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons-Higgs theories reveal how topological terms and symmetry-breaking conspire to carve reality into distinct quantum worlds.
Spontaneous Symmetry BreakingTopological Field TheoryPhase TransitionsGauge Theory
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Theory Briefing
- The study probes SU(2) gauge theories coupled to a Higgs-like field, where the Chern-Simons term introduces topological mass and reshapes the phase diagram.
- Different phases — confining, Higgs, and topological — emerge depending on coupling strengths, illustrating spontaneous symmetry breaking and gauge symmetry interplay.
- Quantization in linear covariant gauges tests the gauge-independence of physical observables, a key consistency check in quantum field theory.