On a class of consistent linear higher spin equations on curved manifolds

Abstract

We analyse a class of linear wave equations for odd half spin that have a well-posed initial value problem. We demonstrate consistency of the equations in curved space-times. They generalise the Weyl neutrino equation. We show that there exists an associated invariant exact set of spinor fields indicating that the characteristic initial value problem on a null cone is formally solvable, even for the system coupled to general relativity. We derive the general analytic solution in flat space by means of Fourier transforms. Finally, we present a twistor contour integral description for the general analytic solution and assemble a representation of the group O(4, 4) on the solution space.