On the phase diagram of the Higgs SU(2) model

TL;DR

This paper revisits the phase diagram of the Higgs SU(2) model with fixed Higgs length, revealing that what was thought to be a first order transition is actually a smooth crossover in certain parameter regions.

Contribution

It challenges the conventional understanding by demonstrating the absence of true phase transitions in some regions, refining the phase diagram of the Higgs SU(2) model.

Findings

No true first order transition in certain parameter regions.

The transition is a smooth crossover rather than a phase transition.

Refined understanding of the phase structure of the Higgs SU(2) model.

Abstract

The Higgs SU(2) model with fixed Higgs length is usually believed to have two different phases at high gauge coupling (\beta), separated by a line of first order transitions but not distinuguished by any typical symmetry associated with a local order parameter, as first proved by Fradkin and Shenker. We show that in regions of the parameter space where it is usually supposed to be a first order phase transition only a smooth crossover is in fact present.