Tomas Brauner

Dette forsker jeg på

I am fascinated by the role of symmetries in physics. Symmetry in a physical system means that the equations describing it remain unchanged when the variables are transformed in a specific way. This concept is crucial because symmetries are linked to conservation laws, like the conservation of energy and momentum, and they help us design new physical theories. In our current understanding of the fundamental laws of nature, symmetries are essential.

I am particularly interested in spontaneous symmetry breaking, which occurs when the state of a system does not mirror the symmetry of the underlying equations. This phenomenon is behind many intriguing quantum effects, such as superfluidity, superconductivity, and ferromagnetism. The beauty of systems with broken symmetry is that their behavior can often be described by symmetry alone, without delving into complex microscopic details. This approach is known as effective field theory. It allows us to understand diverse systems, from ultracold atomic gases to nuclear matter in extreme conditions, in a unified way. My research focuses on developing effective field theories for systems with broken symmetry and applying them to everything from quark matter to everyday fluids and solids.