Eur. Phys. J. H 35, 53-88 (2010)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjh/e2010-00004-1

Jorge A. Swieca’s contributions to quantum field theory in the 60s and 70s and their relevance in present research

CBPF, Rua Dr. Xavier Sigaud 150, 22290-180 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Institut für Theoretische Physik der FU Berlin, Germany

^a e-mail: schroer@cbpf.br

Revised: 17 December 2009
Received: 12 February 2010
Published online: 16 June 2010

Abstract

After revisiting some high points of particle physics and QFT of the two decades from 1960 to 1980, I comment on the work by Jorge André Swieca. I explain how it fits into the quantum field theory during these two decades and draw attention to its relevance to the ongoing particle physics research. A particular aim of this article is to direct the readers mindfulness to the relevance of what at the time of Swieca was called “the Schwinger Higgs screening mechanism” which, together with recent ideas which generalize the concept of gauge theories, has all the ingredients to revolutionize the issue of gauge theories and the standard model.