Becchi Rouet Stora Research Articles

Nilpotent symmetries of a 4[formula omitted] model of Hodge theory: Augmented (anti-)chiral superfield formalism

We derive the continuous nilpotent symmetries of the four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) model of the Hodge theory (i.e. 4D Abelian 2-form gauge theory) by exploiting the beauty and strength of the symmetry invariant restrictions on the (anti-)chiral superfields. The above off-shell nilpotent symmetries are the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST), anti-BRST and (anti-)co-BRST transformations which turn up beautifully due to the (anti-)BRST and (anti-)co-BRST invariant restrictions on the (anti-)chiral superfields that are defined on the (4, 1)-dimensional (anti-)chiral super-submanifolds of the general (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold on which our ordinary 4D theory is generalized. The latter supermanifold is characterized by the superspace coordinates ZM=(xμ,θ,θ̄) where xμ(μ=0,1,2,3) are the bosonic coordinates and a pair of Grassmannian variables θ and θ̄ are fermionic in nature as they obey the standard relationships: θ2=θ̄2=0,θθ̄+θ̄θ=0). The derivation of the proper (anti-)co-BRST symmetries and proof of the absolute anticommutativity property of the conserved (anti-)BRST and (anti-) co-BRST charges are novel results of our present investigation (where only the (anti-)chiral superfields and their super-expansions have been taken into account).

(Anti-)chiral superfield approach to interacting Abelian 1-form gauge theories: Nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting charges

We derive the off-shell nilpotent (fermionic) (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations by exploiting the (anti-)chiral superfield approach (ACSA) to Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism for the interacting Abelian 1-form gauge theories where there is a coupling between the U(1) Abelian 1-form gauge field and Dirac as well as complex scalar fields. We exploit the (anti-)BRST invariant restrictions on the (anti-)chiral superfields to derive the fermionic symmetries of our present D-dimensional Abelian 1-form gauge theories. The novel observation of our present investigation is the derivation of the absolute anticommutativity of the nilpotent (anti-)BRST charges despite the fact that our ordinary D-dimensional theories are generalized onto the (D,[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional (anti-) chiral super-submanifolds (of the general (D,[Formula: see text]2)-dimensional supermanifold) where only the (anti-)chiral super expansions of the (anti-)chiral superfields have been taken into account. We also discuss the nilpotency of the (anti-)BRST charges and (anti-)BRST invariance of the Lagrangian densities of our present theories within the framework of ACSA to BRST formalism.

Nilpotent symmetries and Curci–Ferrari-type restrictions in 2D non-Abelian gauge theory: Superfield approach

We derive the off-shell nilpotent symmetries of the two [Formula: see text]-dimensional (2D) non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory by using the theoretical techniques of the geometrical superfield approach to Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism. For this purpose, we exploit the augmented version of superfield approach (AVSA) and derive theoretically useful nilpotent (anti-)BRST, (anti-)co-BRST symmetries and Curci–Ferrari (CF)-type restrictions for the self-interacting 2D non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory (where there is no interaction with matter fields). The derivation of the (anti-)co-BRST symmetries and all possible CF-type restrictions are completely novel results within the framework of AVSA to BRST formalism where the ordinary 2D non-Abelian theory is generalized onto an appropriately chosen [Formula: see text]-dimensional supermanifold. The latter is parametrized by the superspace coordinates [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] (with [Formula: see text]) are the bosonic coordinates and a pair of Grassmannian variables [Formula: see text] obey the relationships: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. The topological nature of our 2D theory allows the existence of a tower of CF-type restrictions.

A Field-Theoretical Approach to the P vs. NP Problem via the Phase Sign of Quantum Monte Carlo

I present here a new method that allows the introduction of a discrete auxiliary symmetry in a theory in such a way that the eigenvalue spectrum of the fermion functional determinant is made up of complex conjugated pairs. The method implies a particular way of introducing and integrating over auxiliary fields related to a set of artificial shift symmetries. Gauge fixing the artificial continuous shift symmetries in the direct and dual sectors leads to the appearance of direct and dual Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST)-type global symmetries and of a symplectic structure over the field space. Such a method may allow the extension of the applicability of quantum Monte Carlo methods to some problems plagued by the fermionic sign problem.

A universal constraint on the infrared behavior of the ghost propagator in QCD

With proposing a unified description of the fields variation at the level of generating functional, we obtain a new identity for the quark–gluon interaction vertex based on gauge symmetry, which is similar to the Slavnov–Taylor Identities (STIs) based on the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin transformation. With these identities, we find that in Landau gauge, the dressing function of the ghost propagator approaches to a constant as its momentum goes to zero, which provides a strong constraint on the infrared behaviour of ghost propagator.

De Sitter spacetime with a Becchi–Rouet–Stora quartet

We generalize the topological model recently proposed and investigate the cosmological perturbations of the model. The model has an exact de Sitter background solution associated with the Becchi–Rouet–Stora (BRS) quartet terms which are regarded as the Lagrangian density of the topological field theory. The de Sitter solution can be selected without spontaneously breaking the BRS symmetry, and be interpreted as a gauge fixing of de Sitter spacetime. The BRS symmetry is preserved for the perturbations around the de Sitter background before we solve the constraints of general relativity. We derive action to the second-order of the perturbations and confirm that even after solving the constraints, we have the BRS symmetry at least for the second-order action. We construct the cosmological perturbation theory involving the BRS sector, and obtain the two-point correlation functions for the curvature perturbation and the isocurvature perturbations which compose the BRS sector. Our result gives a new description for de Sitter spacetime and the quantum field theory in de Sitter spacetime.

Some novel features in 2D non-Abelian theory: BRST approach

Within the framework of Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism, we discuss some novel features of a two (1[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional (2D) non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory (without any interaction with matter fields). Besides the usual off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommutating (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations, we discuss the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommutating (anti-)co-BRST symmetry transformations. Particularly, we lay emphasis on the existence of the coupled (but equivalent) Lagrangian densities of the 2D non-Abelian theory in view of the presence of (anti-)co-BRST symmetry transformations where we pin-point some novel features associated with the Curci–Ferrari (CF-)type restrictions. We demonstrate that these CF-type restrictions can be incorporated into the (anti-)co-BRST invariant Lagrangian densities through the fermionic Lagrange multipliers which carry specific ghost numbers. The modified versions of the Lagrangian densities (where we get rid of the new CF-type restrictions) respect some precise symmetries as well as a couple of symmetries with CF-type constraints. These observations are completely novel as far as the BRST formalism, with proper (anti-)co-BRST symmetries, is concerned.

Reflections on the renormalization procedure for gauge theories

Various pieces of insight were needed to formulate the rules for working with gauge theories of the electro-magnetic, weak and strong forces. First, it was needed to understand how to formulate the Feynman rules. We had to learn that there are many different ways to derive them, and it was needed to know how different formulations of the gauge constraint lead to the same final results: the calculated values of the scattering amplitudes. The rules for dealing with the infinities that had to be subtracted were a big challenge, culminating in the discovery of the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin symmetry. Fond recollections of the numerous discussions the author had with Raymond Stora on this topic are memorised here. We end with some reflections on the mathematical status of quantum field theories, and the transcription of a letter by R. Stora to the author.

The gluon mass generation mechanism: A concise primer

We present a pedagogical overview of the nonperturbative mechanism that endows gluons with a dynamical mass. This analysis is performed based on pure Yang–Mills theories in the Landau gauge, within the theoretical framework that emerges from the combination of the pinch technique with the background field method. In particular, we concentrate on the Schwinger–Dyson equation satisfied by the gluon propagator and examine the necessary conditions for obtaining finite solutions within the infrared region. The role of seagull diagrams receives particular attention, as do the identities that enforce the cancellation of all potential quadratic divergences.We stress the necessity of introducing nonperturbative massless poles in the fully dressed vertices of the theory in order to trigger the Schwinger mechanism, and explain in detail the instrumental role of these poles in maintaining the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin symmetry at every step of the mass-generating procedure. The dynamical equation governing the evolution of the gluon mass is derived, and its solutions are determined numerically following implementation of a set of simplifying assumptions. The obtained mass function is positive definite, and exhibits a power law running that is consistent with general arguments based on the operator product expansion in the ultraviolet region. A possible connection between confinement and the presence of an inflection point in the gluon propagator is briefly discussed.

Canonical brackets of a toy model for the Hodge theory without its canonical conjugate momenta

We consider the toy model of a rigid rotor as an example of the Hodge theory within the framework of Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism and show that the internal symmetries of this theory lead to the derivation of canonical brackets amongst the creation and annihilation operators of the dynamical variables where the definition of the canonical conjugate momenta is not required. We invoke only the spin-statistics theorem, normal ordering and basic concepts of continuous symmetries (and their generators) to derive the canonical brackets for the model of a one [Formula: see text]-dimensional (1D) rigid rotor without using the definition of the canonical conjugate momenta anywhere. Our present method of derivation of the basic brackets is conjectured to be true for a class of theories that provide a set of tractable physical examples for the Hodge theory.

Nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting symmetries in the Freedman–Townsend model: Augmented superfield formalism

We derive the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations, corresponding to the (1-form) Yang–Mills (YM) and (2-form) tensorial gauge symmetries of the four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) Freedman–Townsend (FT) model, by exploiting the augmented version of Bonora–Tonin's (BT) superfield approach to BRST formalism where the 4D flat Minkowskian theory is generalized onto the (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold. One of the novel observations is the fact that we are theoretically compelled to go beyond the horizontality condition (HC) to invoke an additional set of gauge-invariant restrictions (GIRs) for the derivation of the full set of proper (anti-)BRST symmetries. To obtain the (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations, corresponding to the tensorial (2-form) gauge symmetries within the framework of augmented version of BT-superfield approach, we are logically forced to modify the FT-model to incorporate an auxiliary 1-form field and the kinetic term for the antisymmetric (2-form) gauge field. This is also a new observation in our present investigation. We point out some of the key differences between the modified FT-model and Lahiri-model (LM) of the dynamical non-Abelian 2-form gauge theories. We also briefly mention a few similarities.

Superfield approach to nilpotent symmetries in 3D Jackiw–Pi model of massive non-Abelian theory

In the available literature, only the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) symmetries are known for the Jackiw–Pi model of the three (2 + 1)-dimensional (3D) massive non-Abelian gauge theory. We derive the off-shell nilpotent [Formula: see text] and absolutely anticommuting (sbsab + sabsb = 0) (anti-)BRST transformations s(a)b corresponding to the usual Yang–Mills gauge transformations of this model by exploiting the “augmented” superfield formalism where the horizontality condition and gauge invariant restrictions blend together in a meaningful manner. There is a non-Yang–Mills (NYM) symmetry in this theory, too. However, we do not touch the NYM symmetry in our present endeavor. This superfield formalism leads to the derivation of an (anti-)BRST invariant Curci–Ferrari restriction, which plays a key role in the proof of absolute anticommutativity of s(a)b. The derivation of the proper anti-BRST symmetry transformations is important from the point of view of geometrical objects called gerbes. A novel feature of our present investigation is the derivation of the (anti-)BRST transformations for the auxiliary field ρ from our superfield formalism, which is neither generated by the (anti-)BRST charges nor obtained from the requirements of nilpotency and (or) absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-)BRST symmetries for our present 3D non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory.

High-energy QCD evolution from BRST symmetry

We show that the (gauge-fixed) classical action of the Color Glass Condensate is invariant under a suitable Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin symmetry, which holds after the gluon modes are split into their fast, semi-fast, and soft components, according to the longitudinal momenta they carry. This entails the existence of a corresponding Slavnov–Taylor identity which in turn strongly constrains the effective field theory arising when integrating out the semi-fast modes. Specifically, we prove that this identity guarantees the gauge invariance of the resulting effective theory. In addition, we use it to demonstrate that the integration over the semi-fast modes does not deform the classical Yang–Mills equations of motion, thus validating a key assumption in the usual procedure adopted when deriving the renormalization group equation governing the evolution with energy of the effective theory. As far as the latter are concerned, we finally prove that its functional form is common, and it is determined by symmetry arguments alone. The formal properties of these equations valid in different regimes and/or approximations (e.g., the JIMWLK equation and its BFKL limit) can be therefore derived in a unified setting within this algebraic approach.

BRST QUANTIZATION OF A SIXTH-ORDER DERIVATIVE SCALAR FIELD THEORY

We study a sixth-order derivative scalar field model in Minkowski spacetime as a toy model of higher-derivative critical gravity theories. This model is consistently quantized when using the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) quantization scheme even though it does not show gauge symmetry manifestly. Imposing a BRST quartet generated by two scalars and ghosts, there remains a nontrivial subspace with positive norm. This might be interpreted as a Minkowskian dual version of the unitary truncation in the logarithmic conformal field theory.

NONCOMMUTATIVE GAUGE THEORIES: MODEL FOR HODGE THEORY

The nilpotent Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST), anti-BRST, dual-BRST and anti-dual-BRST symmetry transformations are constructed in the context of noncommutative (NC) 1-form as well as 2-form gauge theories. The corresponding Noether's charges for these symmetries on the Moyal plane are shown to satisfy the same algebra, as by the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry. The Hodge decomposition theorem on compact manifold is also studied. We show that noncommutative gauge theories are field theoretic models for Hodge theory.

A NOVEL OBSERVATION IN THE BRST APPROACH TO A FREE SPINNING RELATIVISTIC PARTICLE

For the newly proposed coupled (but equivalent) Lagrangians for the supersymmetric (SUSY) system of a one (0+1)-dimensional spinning relativistic particle, we derive the Noether conserved charges corresponding to its (super)gauge, Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST), anti-BRST and ghost-scale symmetry transformations. We deduce the underlying algebra amongst the continuous symmetry operators and corresponding conserved charges. We point out a novel observation that emerges, for this specific SUSY system, when we discuss it within the framework of BRST formalism. In particular, the requirement of the physicality criteria with the (anti-)BRST charges leads to a completely new observation because, as it turns out, one of the primary constraints does not annihilate the physical state of the theory. We have never come across this kind of result in the realm of BRST approach to usual gauge theories. We provide the physical and theoretical reasons behind the above observation.

Novel symmetries in the modified version of two dimensional Proca theory

By exploiting Stueckelberg’s approach, we obtain a gauge theory for the two-dimensional, that is, (1+1)-dimensional (2D) Proca theory and demonstrate that this theory is endowed with, in addition to the usual Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetries, the on-shell nilpotent (anti-)co-BRST symmetries, under which the total gauge-fixing term remains invariant. The anticommutator of the BRST and co-BRST (as well as anti-BRST and anti-co-BRST) symmetries define a unique bosonic symmetry in the theory, under which the ghost part of the Lagrangian density remains invariant. To establish connections of the above symmetries with the Hodge theory, we invoke a pseudo-scalar field in the theory. Ultimately, we demonstrate that the full theory provides a field theoretic example for the Hodge theory where the continuous symmetry transformations provide a physical realization of the de Rham cohomological operators and discrete symmetries of the theory lead to the physical realization of the Hodge duality operation of differential geometry. We also mention the physical implications and utility of our present investigation.

AUGMENTED SUPERFIELD APPROACH TO NON-YANG–MILLS SYMMETRIES OF JACKIW–PI MODEL: NOVEL OBSERVATIONS

We derive the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anti-commuting Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) as well as anti-BRST symmetry transformations corresponding to the non-Yang–Mills (NYM) symmetry transformations of (2+1)-dimensional Jackiw–Pi (JP) model within the framework of "augmented" superfield formalism. The Curci–Ferrari (CF) restriction, which is a hallmark of non-Abelian one-form gauge theories, does not appear in this case. One of the novel features of our present investigation is the derivation of proper (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations corresponding to the auxiliary field ρ that cannot be derived by any conventional means.

SUPERFIELD APPROACH TO NILPOTENT SYMMETRIES OF THE FREEDMAN–TOWNSEND MODEL: NOVEL FEATURES

We perform the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) analysis of the Freedman–Townsend (FT) model of topologically massive non-Abelian theory by exploiting its (1-form) Yang–Mills (YM) gauge transformations to show the existence of some novel features that are totally different from the results obtained in such a kind of consideration carried out for the dynamical non-Abelian 2-form theory. We tap here the potential and power of the augmented version of Bonora–Tonin's superfield approach to BRST formalism to derive the full set of off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations where, in addition to the horizontality condition (HC), we are theoretically compelled to exploit the appropriate gauge-invariant restrictions (GIRs) on the (super)fields for the derivation of the appropriate symmetry transformations for all the relevant fields. We compare our key results with that of the other such attempt for the discussion of the present model within the framework of BRST formalism.

Dual-BRST symmetry: 6D Abelian 3-form gauge theory

Within the framework of the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism, we demonstrate the existence of the novel off-shell nilpotent (anti-)dual-BRST symmetries in the context of a six (5+1)-dimensional (6D) free Abelian 3-form gauge theory. Under these local and continuous symmetry transformations, the total gauge-fixing term of the Lagrangian density remains invariant. This observation should be contrasted with the off-shell nilpotent (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations, under which, the total kinetic term of the theory remains invariant. The anticommutator of the above nilpotent (anti-)BRST and (anti-)dual-BRST transformations leads to the derivation of a bosonic symmetry in the theory. There exists a discrete symmetry transformation in the theory which provides a thread of connection between the nilpotent (anti-)BRST and (anti-)dual-BRST transformations. This theory is endowed with a ghost-scale symmetry, too. We discuss the algebra of these symmetry transformations and show that the structure of the algebra is reminiscent of the algebra of de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry.