What do we mean by broken symmetries when referring to superfluid he3 phases?

In summary, a broken symmetry in the context of superfluid he3 phases refers to a state where the symmetry of the system is not preserved, leading to unique properties and behavior. This broken symmetry is related to the alignment of spin and orbital angular momentum of the helium atoms and is caused by interactions between the atoms. It can be observed through experiments and is a fundamental concept in physics, though the specific broken symmetry in superfluid he3 phases is unique to this system.
  • #1
nbd2010
2
0
What do we mean by "broken symmetries" when referring to superfluid he3 phases?

I struggle to understand the concept of broken symmetries of the superfluid phases of 3He. Any insight would be much appreciated.

Thanks :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


I think we're going to need more than that to go on :-) What is the specific problem? Do you understand broken symmetries in the abstract? In BECs? In BCS? XY-model? Is it the particulars of the physics of He-3? The pairing mechanism?

In general, I can recommend no better He-3 textbook than "Quantum Liquids" by Leggett.
 

Related to What do we mean by broken symmetries when referring to superfluid he3 phases?

1. What is a broken symmetry in the context of superfluid he3 phases?

A broken symmetry in the context of superfluid he3 phases refers to a state where the symmetry of the system is not preserved. This means that the properties of the system are not the same under certain transformations, such as rotations or translations. In superfluid he3 phases, this broken symmetry is related to the alignment of spin and orbital angular momentum of the helium atoms.

2. How does the broken symmetry in superfluid he3 phases affect the behavior of the system?

The broken symmetry in superfluid he3 phases leads to unique properties and behavior of the system. For example, it allows for the formation of vortices, which are regions of swirling superfluid flow. This broken symmetry also plays a role in the phase transitions and phase diagrams of superfluid he3.

3. What causes the broken symmetry in superfluid he3 phases?

The broken symmetry in superfluid he3 phases is caused by the interactions between the helium atoms. These interactions can be affected by external factors such as temperature and pressure, leading to changes in the broken symmetry and resulting in different phases of superfluid he3.

4. Can the broken symmetry in superfluid he3 phases be observed?

Yes, the broken symmetry in superfluid he3 phases can be observed through experiments and measurements. For example, the formation of vortices can be observed using techniques such as NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). The changes in the phase transitions and phase diagrams also provide evidence of the broken symmetry.

5. Is the concept of broken symmetry unique to superfluid he3 phases?

No, the concept of broken symmetry is not unique to superfluid he3 phases. It is a fundamental concept in physics, and can be observed in various systems, including magnetic materials, crystals, and superconductors. However, the specific broken symmetry in superfluid he3 phases is unique to this particular system and plays a crucial role in understanding its behavior.

Similar threads

  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
347
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Back
Top