English

Local symmetries of the non-Abelian two-form

High Energy Physics - Theory 2008-11-26 v2

Abstract

It is proposed that a non-Abelian adjoint two-form in BF type theories transform inhomogeneously under the gauge group. The resulting restrictions on invariant actions are discussed. The auxiliary one-form which is required for maintaining vector gauge symmetry transforms like a second gauge field, and hence cannot be fully absorbed in the two-form. But it can be replaced, via a vector gauge transformation, by the usual gauge field, leading to gauge equivalences between different types of theories. A new type of symmetry also appears, one which depends on local functions but cannot be generated by constraints. It is connected to the identity in the limit of a vanishing global parameter, so it should be called a semiglobal symmetry. The corresponding conserved currents and BRST charges are parametrized by the space of flat connections.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.hep-th/0109220,
  title  = {Local symmetries of the non-Abelian two-form},
  author = {Amitabha Lahiri},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:hep-th/0109220},
  year   = {2008}
}

Comments

RevTeX4, 11 pages, minor corrections