Abstract
Reduction from a higher-dimensional to a lower-dimensional field theory can display special features when the zero-level ground state has nontrivial dependence on the reduction coordinates. In particular, a delayed ‘covert’ form of spontaneous symmetry breaking can occur, revealing itself only at fourth order in the lower-dimensional effective field theory action. This phenomenon is explored in a simple model of (d + 1)-dimensional scalar QED with one dimension restricted to an interval with Dirichlet/Robin boundary conditions on opposing ends. This produces an effective d-dimensional theory with Maxwellian dynamics at the free theory level, but with unusual symmetry breaking appearing in the quartic vector-scalar interaction terms. This simple model is chosen to illuminate the mechanism of effects which are also noted in gravitational braneworld scenarios.
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Erickson, C.W., Harrold, A.D., Leung, R. et al. Covert symmetry breaking. J. High Energ. Phys. 2020, 157 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP10(2020)157
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP10(2020)157