Gauge Invariance and the Goldstone Theorem

TL;DR

This paper discusses how gauge invariance affects the Goldstone theorem, showing that gauge theories can avoid massless particles and laying groundwork for the electroweak theory within the Standard Model.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the Goldstone theorem does not necessitate physical zero mass particles in gauge theories, providing a foundational example for the electroweak model.

Findings

Goldstone theorem does not require physical zero mass particles in gauge theories

Provides a model that underpins the electroweak theory

Contributes to the development of the Standard Model

Abstract

This manuscript was originally created for and printed in the "Proceedings of seminar on unified theories of elementary particles" held in Feldafing Germany from July 5 to 16 1965 under the auspices of the Max-Planck-Institute for Physics and Astrophysics in Munich. It details and expands upon the Guralnik, Hagen, and Kibble paper that shows that the Goldstone theorem does not require physical zero mass particles in gauge theories and provides an example through the model which has become the template for the unified electroweak theory and a main component of the Standard Model.