Abstract
We study the canonical vacuum structure of Yang–Mills theories defined on an arbitrary (nonsimply connected) three-space. We find that the presence of flat Yang–Mills connections with a nontrivial (discrete) holonomy group has profound consequences at the quantum level. In particular, such connections may lead to either an increase or a decrease in the number of quantum vacuum sectors. Our method consists of finding a representation for the space of classical zero-energy field configurations in terms of a function space 𝒟. A simple assumption concerning the physical equivalence of these classical configurations then permits a formal classification of the quantum vacua by the zeroth homotopy set π0(𝒟). Significant progress is made in the analysis of π0(𝒟) for arbitrary three-spaces and gauge groups, and several specific questions concerning the vacuum states and their diagonalization are answered.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
