1
$\begingroup$

I have learnt QFT and the Standard Model and we always had gauge invariance there (in my lectures at least...) I wonder if there are any theories which are not gauge invariant that describe a bit of "reality"?

I have read this post Can we allowe gauge non-invariant terms in a gauge theory? and this one What is the problem with a Lagrangian that isn't gauge invariant? but I could not find a definite answer to my question.

I have also read that the superconducting phase transition breaks $U(1)$ gauge symmetry, but I don't fully understand that bit, it doesn't appear to me a superconducting phase is described by a non gauge invariant Lagrangian, or anything like that.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

I published a paper describing a working non-gauge invariant theory of classical electromagnetism, thereby breaking the spell of the gauge principle. In this approach it is explicit that the Lorentz force only accounts for the change in kinetic momentum of a charge. However, a charge also has potential momentum and only the sum of the two is conserved. It also accounts for spin as a separately conserved contribution to angular momentum, something impossible in gauge theory. The Lorenz condition is interpreted as a consequence of charge conservation. It is still possible to add a "gauge" field to the potential without altering the charge kinetic (Lorentz) force. However, such solutions correspond to nonconserved source distributions that give the same field tensor as the original one.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you for your comment, I will read your paper tomorrow! $\endgroup$
    – lawliet
    Mar 4, 2021 at 16:28
1
$\begingroup$

The forces between nucleons can be described in an low-energy effective field theory that gives a good low-energy description of QCD. In this theory, the charged and neutral pions (which are scalar fields) mediate interactions between nucleons (which are fermions). There are no gauge fields.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you, I will be sure to look this up. I haven't learnt QCD in detail yet, but now I'm even more curious. $\endgroup$
    – lawliet
    Mar 4, 2021 at 16:28
  • $\begingroup$ But pions are pseudo-Goldstone bosons. Yukawa's original theory was an SU(2) gauge theory, at least according to "An Elementary Primer on Gauge Theory" by K Moriyasu [World Scientific, 1983]. $\endgroup$
    – JEB
    Mar 4, 2021 at 16:28
  • $\begingroup$ @lawliet There's a primer here: arxiv.org/pdf/….. $\endgroup$
    – Andrew
    Mar 4, 2021 at 16:43
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @JEB Sure. But the pions appear as (pseudo)scalars in the EFT. You don't need to include any gauge fields, if you just want to describe interactions mediated by pions. $\endgroup$
    – Andrew
    Mar 4, 2021 at 16:43

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.