Front-Form Hamiltonian, Path Integral, and BRST Formulations of the Nonlinear Sigma Model

Abstract

The nonlinear sigma model in one-space one-time dimension is considered on the light-front. The front-form theory is seen to possess a set of three first-class constraints and consequently it possesses a local vector gauge symmetry. This is in contrast to the usual instant-form theory, which is well known to be a gauge noninvariant theory possessing a set of four second-class constraints. The front-form Hamiltonian, path integral, and BRST formulations of this theory are investigated under some specific gauge choices.