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A positive-definite local energy difference can prove Lyapunov stability of an isolated equilibrium even when its quadratic Hessian is degenerate.
Mathematical statementPhysicsPOVM outcome probabilitiesA finite-outcome POVM is a family of positive operators E_a whose sum is the identity.
DefinitionPhysicsQuantum instruments and conditional statesAn instrument associates outcome a with a completely positive trace-nonincreasing map ℐ_a.
DefinitionPhysicsCompletely positive channels and environment assumptionsA quantum channel Φ(ρ)=Σ_kK_kρK_k† with Σ_kK_k†K_k=I remains positive when extended by an identity map on an arbitrary ancilla.
DefinitionPhysicsLindblad evolution and physical ratesA time-homogeneous completely positive trace-preserving semigroup has a GKSL generator: a Hamiltonian commutator plus dissipators with nonnegative rates.
ModelPhysicsMemory, spin echo and noise spectroscopyFor stationary zero-mean Gaussian phase noise f(t), a qubit coherence factor is exp[−½∫₀ᵀ∫₀ᵀK(t−t′)dt dt′], where K is the covariance of angular-frequency noise.
MethodPhysicsLandau order parameter and mean-field transitionFor a uniform dimensionless scalar order parameter m with symmetry m↦−m, an effective free-energy density f=f₀+a m²/2+b m⁴/4 has minima m=0 for a>0 and m²=−a/b for a<0 when b>0.
ModelPhysicsCritical correlations and scaling windowsConnected order-parameter correlations define a correlation length ξ.
ModelPhysicsRenormalisation group and universality limitsCoarse-graining changes couplings while preserving long-distance observables after rescaling.
MethodPhysicsLondon screening and Meissner responseIn the local London model, ∇×j_s=−n_s q_s²B/m_s.
ModelPhysicsGinzburg–Landau and microscopic superconductivityGinzburg–Landau describes superconductivity through a complex order parameter, symmetry and a gradient/field-dependent free energy, yielding a coherence length and electromagnetic response.
ModelPhysicsCondensation energy and superconducting responseFor the local single-component GL model, the SI free-energy density includes α|ψ|²+β|ψ|⁴/2, a covariant gradient cost and B²/(2μ₀).
ModelPhysicsBCS gap self-consistency and thermal excitationsThe homogeneous spin-singlet mean-field pairing model gives quasiparticles E_k=√(ξ_k²+|Δ_k|²), whose thermal populations enter a self-consistent gap equation.
ModelPhysicsBCS 1957 · A microscopic pairing modelBardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer's 1957 paper proposed a phonon-mediated attractive interaction and a correlated paired ground state, connecting an excitation gap to thermodynamic and electromagnetic behaviour.
ModelPhysicsWhich interaction drives unconventional pairing?In correlated superconductors, spin-fluctuation-mediated pairing, electron–phonon contributions and other electronic correlations must be tested against gap symmetry, spectroscopy and thermodynamics for the particular material.
Open questionPhysicsSchwarzschild exterior and coordinate horizonThe asymptotically flat, spherical vacuum exterior has ds²=−(1−r_s/r)c²dt²+(1−r_s/r)⁻¹dr²+r²dΩ², r_s=2GM/c².
ModelPhysicsGeodesics, redshift and specified observersTwo static clocks outside a Schwarzschild source compare proper rates through √(1−r_s/r).
ModelPhysicsGravitational-wave strain and quadrupole domainWeak far-zone gravitational waves change proper separations through transverse-traceless strain.
ModelPhysicsField actions, global symmetries and boundary fluxFor a differentiable local field Lagrangian, a continuous global symmetry that changes it by a total divergence yields an on-shell conserved Noether current.
Mathematical statementPhysicsGW150914 · Detection and model-based inferenceLIGO's 2016 report of the 14 September 2015 event combined a coherent transient in two detectors with noise-background tests and waveform comparison.
Empirical findingPhysicsCanonical quantization of a free scalar fieldQuantizing a real free scalar field replaces its amplitudes by operators with [φ(t,x),π(t,y)]=iδ³(x−y) in ħ=c=1 units.
ModelPhysicsPerturbative scattering and renormalized inputsThe interaction-picture time-ordered expansion organizes scattering amplitudes in couplings; loops introduce regulated momentum integrals.
MethodPhysicsQCD running, scale and scheme conventionsThe strong coupling α_s depends on renormalization scale and scheme.
ModelPhysicsPrecision electroweak fits and nuisance parametersA precision Standard Model fit compares predicted electroweak observables with correlated measurements, jointly propagating input-parameter, systematic and missing-order uncertainties.
MethodPhysicsMuon g−2 · Final detailed Fermilab report (2026)The Muon g−2 Collaboration's June 2026 detailed report describes the final positive-muon anomaly measurement at 127 ppb precision, including precession frequency, calibrated magnetic field and beam-dynamics corrections.
Empirical findingPhysicsMuon hadronic vacuum polarization · Competing inputsData-driven dispersion calculations and lattice QCD estimate the same hadronic contribution through different inputs and systematics.
ModelPhysicsHubbard interaction and competing approximationsA single-band Hubbard model combines hopping t_ij with on-site repulsion U n_i↑n_i↓.
ModelPhysicsDynamical mean-field method and localitySingle-site dynamical mean-field theory maps an interacting lattice problem to a self-consistent impurity problem with a frequency-dependent local self-energy.
MethodPhysicsChern number, Hall response and edge indexFor a gapped noninteracting two-dimensional band system, the occupied-band Berry curvature integrates to an integer C=(2π)⁻¹∫_BZTrF_xy d²k.
ModelPhysicsTime-reversal topology and experimental signaturesSpinful time-reversal symmetry with T²=−1 permits a Z₂ band distinction even when total Chern number vanishes.
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