Abstract
We present a mathematically simple procedure to explain spontaneous symmetry breaking in quantum systems. The procedure is applicable to a wide range of models and can be easily used to explain the existence of a symmetry broken state in crystals, antiferromagnets, and even superconductors. It has the advantage that it automatically brings to the fore the main players in spontaneous symmetry breaking: the symmetry-breaking field, the thermodynamic limit, and the global excitations of a “thin” spectrum.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 635 |
| Journal | American Journal of Physics |
| Volume | 75 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Mar 2007 |