Physics Group Meeting

Abstract:The replica trick plays an important role in several considerations of condensed matter physics and statistical physics. Recently, it has also played a role in several contexts in high energy theory and holography. We discuss some of the features that occur when the replica symmetry is broken, using a simple spin glass toy model from statistical mechanics. What role, if any, might the breaking of replica symmetry play in high energy theory and holography?Reading:"Theory of Spin Glasses", S. F. Edwards, P.