PHZ3400 Symmetry Breaking
Classification of Phases: Symmetry
insert ==> critical phenomena
==>definition of symmetry
==>symmetry in phase transitions
==>symmetry breaking
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