What does 'Coulomb branch' mean?

In summary, the Coulomb branch is a concept in theoretical physics that describes a specific set of solutions in gauge theories. It is closely related to electromagnetism and can have a significant impact on the behavior of particles in a gauge theory. However, it cannot be directly observed in experiments and is only a theoretical concept. The Coulomb branch is a well-established concept in physics and has been extensively studied and applied in various branches of physics.
  • #1
isospin
14
0
The phrase 'Coulomb branch' appeared several times in a paper on M-branes, but I don't know its meaning.
Is there anyone who explain it for me?
Thanks.
 
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  • #3


The Coulomb branch refers to a specific region or direction in the moduli space of a supersymmetric quantum field theory. This branch is characterized by the presence of a U(1) gauge symmetry, which is associated with the exchange of particles that carry electric charge. In this branch, the gauge coupling is weak and the particles are free to move without significant interactions, allowing for a more simplified description of the theory. The term "Coulomb" comes from the Coulomb force, which is the force between two charged particles. In the context of M-branes, the Coulomb branch is important because it describes the low-energy dynamics of the branes in this weakly coupled regime.
 

Related to What does 'Coulomb branch' mean?

1. What is the Coulomb branch in physics?

The Coulomb branch is a concept in theoretical physics that refers to a certain class of solutions in gauge theories. It is a subspace of the space of all possible solutions, and is characterized by the absence of electric charges and gauge fields.

2. How is the Coulomb branch related to electromagnetism?

The Coulomb branch is closely related to electromagnetism, as it describes the behavior of electric charges in a gauge theory. In fact, the name "Coulomb" comes from the Coulomb force, which is the fundamental force between electric charges.

3. Can the Coulomb branch be observed in experiments?

No, the Coulomb branch itself cannot be directly observed in experiments. It is a theoretical concept that helps physicists understand the behavior of gauge theories, but it does not have any physical manifestation.

4. How does the Coulomb branch affect the behavior of particles?

The Coulomb branch can have a significant impact on the behavior of particles in a gauge theory. It can affect their interactions with other particles and determine their masses and charges. Understanding the Coulomb branch is crucial for understanding the dynamics of gauge theories.

5. Is the Coulomb branch a well-established concept in physics?

Yes, the Coulomb branch is a well-established concept in theoretical physics. It has been extensively studied and used in various branches of physics, such as particle physics, condensed matter physics, and string theory.

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