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arXiv · 2007.12192

Covert Symmetry Breaking

C. W. Erickson·A. D. Harrold·Rahim Leung·K. S. Stelle
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Abstract

Reduction from a higher-dimensional to a lower-dimensional field theory can display special features when the zero-level ground state has nontrivial dependence on the reduction coordinates. In particular, a delayed `covert' form of spontaneous symmetry breaking can occur, revealing itself only at fourth order in the lower-dimensional effective field theory action. This phenomenon is explored in a simple model of $(d+1)$-dimensional scalar QED with one dimension restricted to an interval with Dirichlet/Robin boundary conditions on opposing ends. This produces an effective $d$-dimensional theory with Maxwellian dynamics at the free theory level, but with unusual symmetry breaking appearing in the quartic vector-scalar interaction terms. This simple model is chosen to illuminate the mechanism of effects which are also noted in gravitational braneworld scenarios.

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C. W. Erickson, A. D. Harrold, Rahim Leung, K. S. Stelle. 2020-07-23. Covert Symmetry Breaking. https://doi.org/10.1007/jhep10(2020)157

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