Bogoliubov Quasiaverages: Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking and the Algebra of Fluctuations

Resumo

We present arguments supporting the use of the Bogoliubov method of quasiaverages for quantum systems. First, we elucidate how it can be used to study phase transitions with spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB). For this, we consider the example of Bose–Einstein condensation in continuous systems. Analysis of different types of generalized condensations shows that the only physically reliable quantities are those defined by Bogoliubov quasiaverages. In this connection, we also solve the Lieb–Seiringer–Yngvason problem. Second, using the scaled Bogoliubov method of quasiaverages and considering the example of a structural quantum phase transition, we examine a relation between SSB and critical quantum fluctuations. We show that the quasiaverages again provide a tool suitable for describing the algebra of critical quantum fluctuation operators in both the commutative and noncommutative cases.