Higher spin theories in flat space–time

Abstract

It is shown that, contrary to a widespread prejudice, massless higher spin (HS) field theories can be defined in flat space–time. Examples of Yang–Mills-like theories with infinite many local fields of any spin are constructed explicitly in any dimension, along with Chern–Simons-like models in any odd dimension. These theories are defined via actions invariant under HS gauge transformations and their equations of motion are derived. It is also briefly explained why these theories circumvent well-known no-go theorems.