Equation for one-loop divergences in two dimensions and its application to higher-spin fields

Abstract

We derive a simple formula for one-loop logarithmic divergences on the background of a two-dimensional curved space–time for theories in which the second variation of the action is a nonminimal second-order operator with small nonminimal terms. In particular, this formula allows calculating terms that are integrals of total derivatives. As an application of the result, we obtain one-loop divergences for higher-spin fields on a constant-curvature background in a nonminimal gauge that depends on two parameters. By an explicit calculation, we demonstrate that with the considered accuracy, the result is gauge independent and, moreover, spin independent for spins s ≥ 3.