Symmetry behavior in gauge theories

• Published in: Annals of physics 1976-09, Vol.101 (1), p.195-238
• Main Authors: Kirzhnits, D.A., Linde, A.D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0003-4916; 1096-035X
• DOI: 10.1016/0003-4916(76)90279-7

A theory of phase transition with symmetry restoration in gauge theories at high temperature is investigated. The phase transition may be of the first or of the second order depending on relations between coupling constants. It is noted that the possible existense of a limiting temperature cannot prevent the high-temperature symmetry restoration. In the theories without neutral currents, symmetry also can be affected by a magnetic field. However in most of the models with neutral currents symmetry restoration takes place not due to a magnetic field but due to massive vector fields, created simultaneously by the magnetic field sources. It is pointed out that in most of the theories with neutral currents an increase of external currents lead to symmetry restoration, while an increase of density results in a further increase of symmetry breaking. In some cases critical values of temperature and external fields and currents appear to be extremely small. At certain relations between coupling constants radiative corrections lead to the absence of symmetry breaking in gauge theories even at zero temperature and in the absence of any other external factors. Strong constraints on masses and coupling constants for the symmetry in the Higgs model to be broken are obtained. It is shown that energy of substance is nonconserved due to energy “pumping” from the non-observable Bose-condensate in the processes under consideration.