An Introduction to Higher-Form Symmetries
High Energy Physics - Theory
2023-09-20 v2 Strongly Correlated Electrons
Abstract
These notes are intended to be a pedagogical introduction to higher-form symmetries, which are symmetries whose charged objects are extended operators supported on lines, surfaces, and etc. This subject has been one of the most popular and effervescent topics of theoretical physics in recent years. Gauge theories are central in the study of higher-form symmetries, with Wilson and 't Hooft operators corresponding to the charged objects. Along these notes, we discuss in detail some basic aspects, including Abelian Maxwell and Chern-Simons theories, and non-Abelian gauge theories. We also discuss spontaneous breaking of higher-form symmetries.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2303.01817,
title = {An Introduction to Higher-Form Symmetries},
author = {Pedro R. S. Gomes},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2303.01817},
year = {2023}
}
Comments
73 pages, 13 figures, review notes, several typos corrected, references added, comments are welcome!