Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking
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- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
- Publication date:
- 18 September 2026
- 03 September 2026
- ISBN:
- 9781009575782
- 9781009575768
- Dimensions:
- (254 x 203 mm)
- Weight & Pages:
- 1.09kg, 388 Pages
- Dimensions:
- Weight & Pages:
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Book description
Spontaneous symmetry breaking lies at the heart of modern physics, shaping our understanding of matter, forces, and even the universe itself. From condensed matter physics to particle physics and cosmology, spontaneous symmetry breaking unifies phenomena that at first seem worlds apart. This graduate-level text offers a comprehensive yet accessible guide to the conceptual theory and practical consequences of spontaneous symmetry breaking. It introduces topics ranging from Noether's theorem, thermodynamic limits, and gauge freedoms to Nambu–Goldstone modes, topological defects, effective field theory, the Mermin–Wagner–Hohenberg–Coleman theorem, and the Anderson–Higgs mechanism within the Standard Model. Packed with exercises, with solutions available online, in-depth projects, and a myth-busting FAQ section addressing common pitfalls, this book equips readers to master both the fundamentals and modern frontiers of spontaneous symmetry breaking, making it an indispensable resource for students, teachers, and researchers.
Reviews
‘Spontaneous symmetry breaking is a fascinating phenomenon that has become ubiquitous across many branches of physics, from condensed matter theory to particle physics. This elegantly written book offers a superb introduction to the subject. It begins with the foundational theorem of Emmy Noether, who uncovered the deep connection between symmetries and conservation laws, and proceeds to the Nambu–Goldstone theorem, which establishes the relationship between spontaneously broken symmetries and zero-energy excitations. From there, the book explores a wide range of physical domains in which these ideas play a central role. The breadth of problems it addresses is truly impressive.’
Giorgio Parisi - Sapienza University of Rome, Nobel Laureate in Physics in 2021
‘This book provides an exceptionally accessible yet thorough exposition of spontaneous symmetry breaking. Exploring key concepts from multiple perspectives and anchoring them with many practical examples, the book will be an invaluable resource for both graduate students and researchers across diverse fields of physics.’
Dmitry Abanin - Princeton University
‘An engaging pedagogical exploration of symmetry-related concepts, which describes their profound influence on developments across many subfields - from condensed matter to particle physics and cosmology.’
Subir Sachdev - Harvard University
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