Question

The Higgs potential can be written as

V=−μ^2|ϕ|^2+λ|ϕ|^4
where the μ term is identified as mass term. Plugged in in the Lagrangian L=…−V, one can obtain spontaneous symmetry breaking for μ2<0. My question now is, how should I interpret a imaginary mass term in a physical way?

Answer 1

An imaginary mass term represents a temporary violation of the conservation of mass-energy as allowed by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Virtual particles with imaginary mass can exist for a brief period of time.

Step-by-step explanation:

An imaginary mass term in a physical interpretation means that the particle associated with that imaginary mass is not stable and cannot exist as a real particle. It represents a temporary violation of the conservation of mass-energy as allowed by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Virtual particles with imaginary mass can exist for a brief period of time, according to the uncertainty principle, before they annihilate or transform into other particles.