Superconductivity is explained by symmetry breaking from "summary" of The Quantum Theory of Fields by Steven Weinberg,Weinberg S
The phenomenon of superconductivity, where certain materials conduct electricity without any resistance, can be understood through the concept of symmetry breaking. In normal conductors, electrical resistance arises due to the scattering of electrons by impurities or lattice vibrations. However, in superconductors, there is a remarkable absence of resistance, allowing for the flow of electric current without any dissipation of energy. The key to understanding this behavior lies in the idea of symmetry breaking. In a superconductor, the symmetry of the system is spontaneously broken at low temperatures, leading to the emergence of a new state of matter with unique properties. This symmetry breaking is associated with the formation of Cooper pairs, which are pairs of electrons that are bound together at very low temperatures. The formation of Cooper pairs can be thought of as a condensation process, where the electrons "condense" into a collective state with lower energy. This condensation is a result of the breaking of a certain gauge symmetry in the system, leading to the emergence of long-range order characteristic of superconductors. The breaking of this symmetry allows for the coherent flow of electrons in the form of Cooper pairs, leading to the superconducting state. It is important to note that the concept of symmetry breaking is a fundamental idea in modern physics, with applications in various areas such as particle physics, condensed matter physics, and cosmology. Understanding how symmetry breaking leads to the phenomenon of superconductivity provides valuable insights into the behavior of quantum systems at low temperatures. In summary, superconductivity can be explained by the concept of symmetry breaking, where the emergence of a new state of matter with unique properties is associated with the breaking of certain symmetries in the system. This breaking of symmetry allows for the coherent flow of electrons in the form of Cooper pairs, leading to the remarkable phenomenon of superconductivity.
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