Physics#Strong CP Problem, Quantum Field Theory, Yang-Mills Theory🔬 ResearchAnalyzed: Jan 3, 2026 16:42
Strong CP Problem as Infrared Holonomy
Analysis
This paper offers a novel perspective on the strong CP problem, reformulating the vacuum angle as a global holonomy in the infrared regime. It uses the concept of infrared dressing and adiabatic parallel transport to explain the role of the theta vacuum. The paper's significance lies in its alternative approach to understanding the theta vacuum and its implications for local and global observables, potentially resolving inconsistencies in previous interpretations.
Key Takeaways
- •Reformulates the strong CP problem from an infrared perspective.
- •Treats the vacuum angle as a global Berry-type holonomy.
- •Uses infrared dressing and adiabatic parallel transport.
- •Shows the Pontryagin index as an integer infrared winding.
- •Provides a controlled example with a quantum rotor.
Reference
“The paper shows that the Pontryagin index emerges as an integer infrared winding, such that the resulting holonomy phase is quantized by Q∈Z and reproduces the standard weight e^{iθQ}.”