A Symmetry Breaking Scenario for QCD$_3$

Understand

We consider the dynamics of 2+1 dimensional $SU(N)$ gauge theory with Chern-Simons level $k$ and $N_f$ fundamental fermions.

• By requiring consistency with previously suggested dualities for $N_f\leq 2k$ as well as the dynamics at $k=0$ we propose that the theory with $N_f> 2k$ breaks the $U(N_f)$ global symmetry spontaneously to $U(N_f/2+k)\times U(N_f/2-k)$.
• In contrast to the 3+1 dimensional case, the symmetry breaking takes place in a range of quark masses and not just at one point.
• The target space never becomes parametrically large and the Nambu-Goldstone bosons are therefore not visible semi-classically.