Statistical Physics Group

We analyse the Pauli Hamiltonian within a non Abelian gauge theory interpretation, where the gauge symmetry is broken. Our central results is that symmetry breaking leads to zero spin conductivity in contrast to predictions of Gauge symmetric treatments. Computing the translation operator commutation relations comprising the simplest possible structural inversion asymmetry due to an external electric field, we derive a new condition for orbit quantization. The topological nature of this effect is consistent with our non-Abelian gauge symmetry breaking scenario.