Searcharxiv⌕ Search
Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · hep-ph/9805255

Definition of the Electromagnetic Field in the Broken-Symmetry Phase of the Electroweak Theory

Ola Tornkvist
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

In the broken-symmetry phase of the electroweak theory there is no unique definition of the electromagnetic field tensor in cases where the magnitude of the Higgs field differs from a constant value. The meaning of the electromagnetic field is therefore dubious near defects and during non-equilibrium stages of the electroweak phase transition. Nevertheless, by imposing a minimal set of natural requirements one is led to a specific, gauge-invariant definition that retains the familiar properties of an electromagnetic field. An electromagnetic vector potential is constructed whose curl (exterior derivative) in any gauge gives the electromagnetic field tensor. As is required, this vector potential transforms at most by a pure gradient under arbitrary SU(2)xU(1) gauge transformations. The flux of the magnetic field is expressed as a gauge-invariant line integral. Curiously, this provides a definition for magnetic flux in cases where the spatial region with broken symmetry is not simply connected and the magnetic field itself is not everywhere defined.

Explore related subjects

hep-ph

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Ola Tornkvist. 1998-05-08. Definition of the Electromagnetic Field in the Broken-Symmetry Phase of the Electroweak Theory. https://arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/9805255

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2026

Axionic Wormholes in Metric-Affine Gravity

The axion is a promising candidate for solving the strong CP problem. To solve this problem, the global U(1) symmetry must be preserved to a high degree of accuracy. However, it is well known that global symmetries are explicitly violated by quantum gravity effects, giving rise to what is referred to as the axion quality problem. In this paper, we investigate axionic wormholes as a source of explicit U(1) violation in Metric-Affine Gravity. This framework allows for spacetime torsion and non-metricity, which accommodate additional curvature-like and topological terms, such as the Holst and Nieh--Yan terms, that are absent from the metric and Palatini formalisms. We show that non-minimal couplings to these terms modify the wormhole dynamics and enhance the Euclidean wormhole action, thereby alleviating the axion quality problem. We also find that the viable parameter space is enlarged when two of these couplings are simultaneously present. We further identify representative parameter regions where the alleviation of the axion quality problem is compatible with inflationary constraints.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2026

Qubit-Qutrit Quantum Tomography of hadronic $\Lambda\phi$ and $\Lambda K^{\ast 0}$ systems

Quantum-information observables have emerged in recent years as new tools in nuclear and particle physics, from entanglement in top-quark pairs to spin correlations in $\Lambda\bar{\Lambda}$ production. Extending these studies to unequal-spin hadronic final states poses a fundamental challenge: the $6\times6$ density matrix of a qubit-qutrit system contains 35 independent spin parameters, but the decays of $\Lambda V$ pairs, with $V=\phi$ or $K^{*0}$, provide access to only 23 due to the hidden vector polarization from the strong decay. In this Letter, we formulate a qubit-qutrit quantum tomography (QQQT) technique for these spin-$\tfrac{1}{2}\otimes1$ systems and establish exact criteria for entanglement certification from the \textit{incomplete} density matrix. Compared with the $\Lambda\bar{\Lambda}$ system, QQQT of $\Lambda\phi$ and $\Lambda K^{*0}$ provides a new probe of nonperturbative QCD hadronization, enabling a direct comparison of the spin evolution of entangled quark pairs produced from the vacuum as they hadronize into a baryon or a vector meson.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2026

Twist decomposition of exclusive heavy meson production cross sections

We study the twist decomposition of the total cross sections for exclusive heavy vector meson electroproduction and photoproduction in the $\gamma^\ast p$ processes, within the leading logarithmic $1/x$ BFKL formalism. The Mellin transforms of the impact factors of the vector meson are calculated. We show that the higher twist contributions are strongly suppressed in the low-$x$ kinematical regime. Possible enhancement of the higher twists effects for nuclei targets is discussed.

hep-ph↗