Topological field theory: Zero-modes and renormalization

Abstract

We address the issue of the non-triviality of the observables in various Topological Field Theories by means of the explicit introduction of the zero-modes into the BRST algebra. Supersymmetric quantum mechanics and Topological Yang-Mills theory are dealt with in detail. It is shown that due to the presence of fermionic zero-modes the BRST algebra may be dynamically broken, leading to nontrivial observables, albeit the local cohomology being trivial. However, the metric and coupling constant independence of the observables are still valid. A renormalization procedure is given that correctly incorporates the zero-modes. Particular attention is given to the conventional gauge fixing in Topological Yang-Mills theories, with emphasis on the geometrical character of the fields and their rôle in the non-triviality of the observables.