Assuming that a quantum field theory with a $\theta$-vacuum term in the action shows non-trivial $\theta$-dependence and provided that some reasonable properties of the probability distribution function of the order parameter hold, we argue that the theory either breaks spontaneously CP at $\theta = \pi$ or shows a singular behavior at some critical $\theta_c$ between 0 and $\pi$. This result, which applies to any model with a pure imaginary contribution to the euclidean action consisting in a quantized charge coupled to a phase, as QCD, is illustrated with two simple examples; one of them intimately related to Witten's result on SU(N) in the large $N$ limit.

theta-vacuum - Phase transitions and/or symmetry breaking at theta = pi

GALANTE, ANGELO;
2003-01-01

Abstract

Assuming that a quantum field theory with a $\theta$-vacuum term in the action shows non-trivial $\theta$-dependence and provided that some reasonable properties of the probability distribution function of the order parameter hold, we argue that the theory either breaks spontaneously CP at $\theta = \pi$ or shows a singular behavior at some critical $\theta_c$ between 0 and $\pi$. This result, which applies to any model with a pure imaginary contribution to the euclidean action consisting in a quantized charge coupled to a phase, as QCD, is illustrated with two simple examples; one of them intimately related to Witten's result on SU(N) in the large $N$ limit.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11697/3218
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