Degrees of symmetry in quantum field theories

Abstract

A hierarchy of possible symmetries in quantum field theory is defined, which reaches from a purely mathematical invariance to the conventional physical invariance, including the commonly discussed type of spontaneously broken symmetry (SBS). It is shown that one type of SBS, which is usually not considered, naturally leads to theories with an algebra of non-conserved currents and a non-linearly transforming phenomenological Lagrangian. An exactly solvable model is given and some general remarks are made.