U(3) and pseudo-U(3) symmetry of the relativistic harmonic oscillator.

We show that a Dirac Hamiltonian with equal scalar and vector harmonic oscillator potentials has not only a spin symmetry but a U(3) symmetry and that a Dirac Hamiltonian with scalar and vector harmonic oscillator potentials equal in magnitude but opposite in sign has not only a pseudospin symmetry but a pseudo-U(3) symmetry. We derive the generators of the symmetry for each case.

Critical-point symmetry in a finite system.

At a critical point of a second-order phase transition the intrinsic energy surface is flat and there is no stable minimum value of the deformation. However, for a finite system, we show that there is an effective deformation which can describe the dynamics at the critical point. This effective deformation is determined by minimizing the energy surface after projection onto the appropriate symmetries.

Test of nuclear wave functions for pseudospin symmetry.

Using the fact that pseudospin is an approximate symmetry of the Dirac Hamiltonian with realistic scalar and vector mean fields, we derive the wave functions of the pseudospin partners of eigenstates of a realistic Dirac Hamiltonian and compare these wave functions with the wave functions of the Dirac eigenstates.

Relativistic symmetry suppresses quark spin-orbit splitting.

Experimental data indicate small spin-orbit splittings in hadrons. For heavy-light mesons we identify a relativistic symmetry that suppresses these splittings. We suggest an experimental test in electron-positron annihilation.