Group theory in particle studies

JAN 01, 1968

The remarkably powerful algebra of current components may supply the dynamics of hadron physics or may instead herald the emergence of an algebra of fields. If all the problems can be solved we will know if the fundamental building blocks, the quarks, have a physical existence and we will be able to make predictions of their properties.

DOI: 10.1063/1.3034739

San Fu Tuan

UNITARY‐SYMMETRY theories have had great success in the classification of particles in group‐theory representations and the prediction of the dimensions of these representations. Yet many particle physicists now believe that symmetry‐breaking effects of a given symmetry scheme, by mediumstrong, electromagnetic and weak interactions, are their most beautiful feature. Mass spectra and selection rules for transitions can be derived from these effects; so that we are taken into the heart of the physics. Quarks, or other triplets, are still hiding from experimenters; it is to group‐theory studies that we look for information on their probable properties and the best places to look for them. Group theory is also required to assign the higher baryon and meson resonances (figures 1 and 2) into their classification schemes.

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More about the authors

San Fu Tuan, University of Hawaii.