Exploring Framed Gauge Theory as Basis for Physical Models

It is shown that by introducing as dynamical variables in the formulation of gauge theories the frame vectors (or vielbeins) in internal symmetry space, in addition to the standard gauge boson and matter fermion fields, one obtains: (i) for the $su(2) \times u(1)$ symmetry, the standard electroweak theory with the Higgs field thrown in as part of the framed gauge theoretical structure, (ii) for the $su(3) \times su(2) \times u(1)$ symmetry, a "framed standard model" with, apart from the Higgs field as before, a global $su(3)$ symmetry to play the role of fermion generations, plus some other properties which are shown elsewhere to give to both quarks and leptons hierarchical mass and mixing patterns similar to those experimentally observed. Besides, the "framing" of the standard model as such has brought the particle theory closer in structure to the theory of gravity where vierbeins have long figured as dynamical variables. Although most of the results have already been reported before, time and hindsight have allowed their presentation in this review to be made more transparent and succint.