Origin of fermion masses without spontaneous symmetry breaking

Using large scale Monte Carlo calculations in a simple three dimensional lattice fermion model, we establish the existence of a second order quantum phase transition between a massless fermion phase and a massive one, both of which have the same symmetries. This shows that fermion masses can arise due to dynamics without the need for spontaneous symmetry breaking. Universality suggests that this alternate origin of the fermion mass should be of fundamental interest.

Duke Scholars

Author Shailesh Chandrasekharan Physics