Defining geometric gauge theory to accommodate particles, continua, and fields

Abstract

Gauge theory underpins the quantum field theories of the standard model, and in a previous paper was shown via a geometric approach to describe classical electromagnetism in a form which approximates quantum electrodynamics. Here we formalize and generalize the notion of a geometric gauge theory, then apply this framework to classical physical models, including an improved Lagrangian for matter field electromagnetism. We find a remarkably consistent series of actions, with straightforward limits under which each previous one may be obtained. Ancillary benefits include a gauge-independent Galilean Lagrangian, a geometric interpretation for the unusual metric dependence of four-momentum, a modern treatment of the effects of worldline variation on the four-current, a gauge theory of gravity which includes a matter field, and consistent units for matter field electromagnetism.