PHZ3400 Symmetry Breaking: Difference between revisions
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==>definition of symmetry | ==>definition of symmetry | ||
A general definition of symmetry can be described as a precise and well defined concept of balance between two objects or functions. Symmetry can be found in many things in physics from the standard model, spacetime and supersymmetry. To our study in condensed matter, symmetry can be seen in crystals, magnets, superconductors, superfluids and their behaviors among multiple outside forces. | |||
==>symmetry in phase transitions | ==>symmetry in phase transitions | ||
==>symmetry breaking | ==>symmetry breaking | ||
Symmetry Breaking can be described as the potential to for a symmetry of some system to fall from its symmetric properties and move into one direction or the other. | |||
==Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking and Thermodynamic Limit== | ==Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking and Thermodynamic Limit== | ||
Revision as of 12:45, 5 February 2009
Classification of Phases: Symmetry
insert ==> critical phenomena
==>definition of symmetry A general definition of symmetry can be described as a precise and well defined concept of balance between two objects or functions. Symmetry can be found in many things in physics from the standard model, spacetime and supersymmetry. To our study in condensed matter, symmetry can be seen in crystals, magnets, superconductors, superfluids and their behaviors among multiple outside forces. ==>symmetry in phase transitions
==>symmetry breaking Symmetry Breaking can be described as the potential to for a symmetry of some system to fall from its symmetric properties and move into one direction or the other.
Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking and Thermodynamic Limit
Ferromagnet and Curie-Weiss Theory
>>Insert Brief overview of ferromagnetism here?
The relationship between magnetic susceptibility versus temperature is linked through the Curie temperature of the material. Combining equations of Curie's Law and magnetic susceptibility, the Curie-Weiss law is formed.
The denominator can become undefined, which is alarming. In nature, this represents spontaneous magnetization when T = Tc or below.
Caution must be taken near the critical point, in this case Curie Point. The mean field approximation does not accurately represent critical behavior nearby the critical point.
Other Examples of Symmetry Breaking
Other Examples of Symmetry Breaking Include:
Explicit symmetry breaking happens when the actual laws of the system are not invariant for the symmetry in question.
Dynamical symmetry breaking is a special form of spontaneous symmetry breaking. (Fermion condensates)
Chiral Symmetry Breaking