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MiS Preprint
16/2022

The classical limit and spontaneous symmetry breaking in algebraic quantum theory

Christiaan Van De Ven

Abstract

In this paper an overview of some recent developments on the classical limit and spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) in algebraic quantum theory is given. In such works, based on the theory of $C^*$-algebras, the concept of the classical limit has been formalized in a complete algebraic manner. Additionally, since this setting allows for commutative as well as non-commutative $C^*$-algebras, and hence for classical and quantum theories, it provides an excellent framework to study SBB as an emergent phenomenon when transitioning from the quantum to the classical world by turning off a semi-classical parameter. We summarize the main results and show that this algebraic approach sheds new light on the connection between the classical and the quantum realm, where particular emphasis is placed on the role of SSB in Theory versus Nature. To this end a detailed analysis is carried out and illustrated with three different physical models: Schr\"{o}dinger operators, mean-field quantum spin systems and the Bose-Hubbard model.

Received:
Apr 26, 2022
Published:
Apr 26, 2022
MSC Codes:
46L65, 81R40, 81S10
Keywords:
Algebraic quantum theory, Operator algebras, spontaneous symmetry breaking, Classical limit, Deformation quantization, Emergence

Related publications

inJournal
2022 Repository Open Access
Christiaan J. F. van de Ven

The classical limit and spontaneous symmetry breaking in algebraic quantum theory

In: Expositiones mathematicae, 40 (2022) 3, pp. 543-571