Phases of 2d gauge theories and symmetric mass generation
Abstract
A bstract We study the dynamics and phase structure of Abelian gauge theories in d = 1 + 1 dimensions. These include U(1) gauge theory coupled to a scalar and a fermion, as well as the two-flavour Schwinger model with different charges. Both theories exhibit a surprisingly rich phase diagram as masses are varied, with both c = 1 and c = 1/2 critical lines or points. We build up to the study of 2d chiral gauge theories, which hold particular interest because they provide a mechanism for symmetric mass generation, a phenomenon in which fermions become gapped without breaking chiral symmetries.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of High Energy Physics
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 2026
- Issue
- 4
- Publication date
- 20 April 2026
- Language
- EN