Classical Yang-Mills theory in condensed matter physics

Abstract

Recently, gauge field theory approaches were extensively used in order to discuss the physical consequences of spin-orbit interactions in condensed matter physics. An SU(2)$\times$U(1) gauge theory is very naturally borne out and provides an illustrative example of a classical Yang-Mills field theory at work. This approach may serve as an exemplification of non-Abelian field theories for students in general physics curriculum. It allows to introduce discussions on fundamental ideas like Noether currents, gauge symmetry principle, gauge symmetry breaking and non linear Yang Mills equations in very concrete physical situations that makes it accessible to a broad audience.