# Seiberg-Witten theory and Superconductivity

+ 7 like - 0 dislike
235 views

There seems to have some (deep) relation between Seiberg-Witten theory and superconductivity. e.g. this Witten paper.

Q: Could someone introduce the relations between the twos both physically in terms of intuition? and mathematically in terms of formalism? How exactly is the relation?

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-06-04 11:35 (UCT), posted by SE-user Idear

edited Apr 16, 2015

+ 7 like - 0 dislike

The connection between superconductivity and Seiberg-Witten theory can be understood through the observation that superconductivity is related to the Meissner effect, which is the exclusion of magnetic field lines from a superconductor. Seiberg-Witten theory is based on the analysis of the moduli space of an $\mathcal{N}=2$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. It turns out that the theory contains monopoles that acquire a non-zero vacuum expectation value, which can be interpreted as a Meissner effect. I believe that a thorough mathematical explanation cannot be given within one answer, I would rather refer to the literature. The book "Modern Supersymmetry" by John Terning gives a nice overview of Seiberg-Witten theory; the Meissner effect is discussed as well.

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-06-04 11:35 (UCT), posted by SE-user Frederic Brünner
answered Mar 9, 2014 by (1,120 points)
+ 5 like - 0 dislike

There is a very direct relationship which answers your question, and I'll state it in the way I first learned about it (but you can derive a different connection by passing between dimensions):

The 2-dimensional reduction of the Seiberg-Witten equations are the (abelian) vortex equations.

The $SU(2)$-vortex equations on $\mathbb{R}^2$ are a Yang-Mills-Higgs equation, and is a 2-dimensional version of superconductivity, which is actually defined on $\mathbb{R}^3$ with $G=U(1)\subset SU(2)$. Here the YMH-equations are precisely the Landau-Ginzburg equations and $\phi$ represents a Cooper pair (a bound state of two electrons). Minimal solutions to this have $0=D_A\phi=d\phi+A\phi$ and hence $0=D_A^2=F_A$ which physically represents the Meissner effect (the expulsion of magnetic fields from the bulk of a superconductor).

You may have heard of "monopoles" in relation to SW-theory. That's because the 3-dimensional reduction of the Seiberg-Witten equations are the (abelian) Bogolmony equations which define monopoles. As above, $SU(2)$ vortices and monopoles are inherently related, and are dictated by an $SU(2)$ Yang-Mills-Higgs theory on $\mathbb{R}^n$ for $n=2,3$. The exact relations with everything I have mumbled will take more time to discuss (for instance, the 3-dimensional equations describing monopoles and also superconductors are slightly different, depending on the the existence of a potential and the type of representation (for the gauge group) you use).

answered Apr 9, 2015 by (590 points)
edited Apr 16, 2015

 Please use answers only to (at least partly) answer questions. To comment, discuss, or ask for clarification, leave a comment instead. To mask links under text, please type your text, highlight it, and click the "link" button. You can then enter your link URL. Please consult the FAQ for as to how to format your post. This is the answer box; if you want to write a comment instead, please use the 'add comment' button. Live preview (may slow down editor)   Preview Your name to display (optional): Email me at this address if my answer is selected or commented on: Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications. Anti-spam verification: If you are a human please identify the position of the character covered by the symbol $\varnothing$ in the following word:p$\varnothing$ysicsOverflowThen drag the red bullet below over the corresponding character of our banner. When you drop it there, the bullet changes to green (on slow internet connections after a few seconds). To avoid this verification in future, please log in or register.