Spin symmetry breaking in the translation-invariant Hartree–fock electron gas

We study the breaking of spin symmetry for the nonlinear Hartree–Fock model describing an infinite translation-invariant interacting quantum gas (fluid phase). At zero temperature and for the Coulomb interaction in three space dimensions, we can prove the existence of a unique first order transition between a pure ferromagnetic phase at low density and a paramagnetic phase at high density. Multiple first or second order transitions can happen for other interaction potentials, as we illustrate on some examples. At positive temperature T > 0 we compute numerically the phase diagram in the Coulomb case. We find the paramagnetic phase at high temperature or high density and a region where the system is ferromagnetic. We prove that the equilibrium state is unique and paramagnetic at high temperature or high density.