(Non-)Aligned gauges and global gauge symmetry breaking

TL;DR

This paper explores how gauge-dependent symmetry breaking can be managed through specific gauge choices, with applications in lattice gauge theory, the Higgs effect, color superconductors, and BRST symmetry.

Contribution

It introduces gauge constructions that restore gauge symmetry as much as possible, providing a detailed analysis and practical examples in lattice gauge theory.

Findings

Gauge choices can minimize symmetry breaking effects.

Applications to Higgs mechanism and color superconductivity.

Framework for analyzing gauge symmetry restoration.

Abstract

The concept of (global) gauge symmetry breaking plays an important role in many areas of physics. Since the corresponding symmetry is a gauge symmetry, its breaking is actually gauge-dependent. Thus, it is possible to design gauges which restore the symmetry as good as possible. Such gauge constructions will be detailed here, illustrated with the use of lattice gauge theory. Their use will be discussed for the cases of the Higgs effect, high-baryon density color superconductors, and BRST symmetry.