BRST theory for continuous spin

Abstract

Some puzzling aspects of higher spin field theory in Minkowski space-time, such as the tracelessness constraints and the search for an underlying physical principle, are discussed. A connecting idea might be provided by the recently much researched continuous spin representations of the Poincar\'e group. The Wigner equations, treated as first class constraints, yields to a four-constraint BRST formulation. The resulting field theory, generalizing free higher spin field theory, is one among a set of higher spin theories that can be related to previous work on unconstrained formulations. In particular, it is conjectured that the unconstrained higher spin theory of Francia and Sagnotti is a limit of a continuous spin theory. Furthermore, a simple analysis of the constraint structure reveals a hint of a physical rationale behind the trace constraints.