Galilean Electrodynamics Research Articles

Nonrelativistic Holography from AdS_{5}/CFT_{4}.

We show that a novel holographic correspondence appears after taking a suitable stringy nonrelativistic limit of the AdS_{5}/CFT_{4} duality. This correspondence relates string theory in string Newton-Cartan AdS_{5}×S^{5} with Galilean electrodynamics with five scalars defined on the Penrose conformal boundary. As a first test, we match the Killing vectors on the string theory side with the on-shell symmetries of the dual field theory.

Non-relativistic expansion of open strings and D-branes

We expand the relativistic open bosonic string in powers of 1/c2 where c is the speed of light. We perform this expansion to next-to-leading order in 1/c2 and relate our results to known descriptions of non-relativistic open strings obtained by taking limits. Just as for closed strings the non-relativistic expansion is well-defined if the open string winds a circle in the target space. This direction must satisfy Dirichlet boundary conditions. It is shown that the endpoints of the open string behave as Bargmann particles in the non-relativistic regime. These open strings end on nrDp-branes with p ≤ 24. When these nrDp-branes do not fluctuate they correspond to (p + 1)-dimensional Newton-Cartan submanifolds of the target space. When we include fluctuations and worldvolume gauge fields their dynamics is described by a non-relativistic version of the DBI action whose form we derive from symmetry considerations. The worldvolume gauge field and scalar field of a nrD24-brane make up the field content of Galilean electrodynamics (GED), and the effective theory on the nrD24-brane is precisely a non-linear version of GED. We generalise these results to actions for any nrDp-brane by demanding that they have the same target space gauge symmetries that the non-relativistic open and closed string actions have. Finally, we show that the nrDp-brane action is transverse T-duality covariant. Our results agree with the findings of Gomis, Yan and Yu in [1].

Supersymmetric Galilean Electrodynamics

In 2+1 dimensions, we propose a renormalizable non-linear sigma model action which describes the mathcal{N} = 2 supersymmetric generalization of Galilean Electrodynamics. We first start with the simplest model obtained by null reduction of the relativistic Abelian mathcal{N} = 1 supersymmetric QED in 3+1 dimensions and study its renormalization properties directly in non-relativistic superspace. Despite the existence of a non-renormalization theorem induced by the causal structure of the non-relativistic dynamics, we find that the theory is non-renormalizable. Infinite dimensionless, supersymmetric and gauge-invariant terms, which combine into an analytic function, are generated at quantum level. Renormalizability is then restored by generalizing the theory to a non-linear sigma model where the usual minimal coupling between gauge and matter is complemented by infinitely many marginal couplings driven by a dimensionless gauge scalar and its fermionic superpartner. Superconformal invariance is preserved in correspondence of a non-trivial conformal manifold of fixed points where the theory is gauge-invariant and interacting.

Quantization of interacting Galilean field theories

We present the quantum field description of Galilean electrodynamics minimally coupled to massless Galilean fermion in (3 + 1)-dimensions. At classical level, the Lagrangian is obtained as a null reduction of a relativistic theory in one higher dimension. We use functional techniques to develop the quantum field description of the theory. Quantum corrections to the propagators and vertex are obtained upto first order and the theory is found to be renormalizable to this order. The beta function of the theory is found to grow linearly; the theory is not asymptotically free.

Galilean electrodynamics: covariant formulation and Lagrangian

In this paper, we construct a single Lagrangian for both limits of Galilean electrodynamics. The framework relies on a covariant formalism used in describing Galilean geometry. We write down the Galilean conformal algebra and its representation in this formalism. We also show that the Lagrangian is invariant under the Galilean conformal algebra in d = 4 and calculate the energy-momentum tensor.

A new paradox and the reconciliation of Lorentz and Galilean transformations

One of the most debated problems in the foundations of the special relativity theory is the role of conventionality. A common belief is that the Lorentz transformation is correct but the Galilean transformation is wrong (only approximately correct in low speed limit). It is another common belief that the Galilean transformation is incompatible with Maxwell equations. However, the “principle of general covariance” in general relativity makes any spacetime coordinate transformation equally valid. This includes the Galilean transformation as well. This renders a new paradox. This new paradox is resolved with the argument that the Galilean transformation is equivalent to the Lorentz transformation. The resolution of this new paradox also provides the most straightforward resolution of an older paradox which is due to Selleri in (Found Phys Lett 10:73–83, 1997). I also present a consistent electrodynamics formulation including Maxwell equations and electromagnetic wave equations under the Galilean transformation, in the exact form for any high speed, rather than in low speed approximation. Electrodynamics in rotating reference frames is rarely addressed in textbooks. The presented formulation of electrodynamics under the Galilean transformation even works well in rotating frames if we replace the constant velocity mathbf {v} with mathbf {v}=varvec{omega }times mathbf {r}. This provides a practical tool for applications of electrodynamics in rotating frames. When electrodynamics is concerned, between two inertial reference frames, both Galilean and Lorentz transformations are equally valid, but the Lorentz transformation is more convenient. In rotating frames, although the Galilean electrodynamics does not seem convenient, it could be the most convenient formulation compared with other transformations, due to the intrinsic complex nature of the problem.

Renormalization of Galilean electrodynamics

We study the quantum properties of a Galilean-invariant abelian gauge theory coupled to a Schrödinger scalar in 2+1 dimensions. At the classical level, the theory with minimal coupling is obtained from a null-reduction of relativistic Maxwell theory coupled to a complex scalar field in 3+1 dimensions and is closely related to the Galilean electromagnetism of Le-Bellac and Lévy-Leblond. Due to the presence of a dimensionless, gauge-invariant scalar field in the Galilean multiplet of the gauge-field, we find that at the quantum level an infinite number of couplings is generated. We explain how to handle the quantum corrections systematically using the background field method. Due to a non-renormalization theorem, the beta function of the gauge coupling is found to vanish to all orders in perturbation theory, leading to a continuous family of fixed points where the non-relativistic conformal symmetry is preserved.

Uniqueness of Galilean conformal electrodynamics and its dynamical structure

We investigate the existence of action for both the electric and magnetic sectors of Galilean Electrodynamics using Helmholtz conditions. We prove the existence of unique action in magnetic limit with the addition of a scalar field in the system. The check also implies the non existence of action in the electric sector of Galilean electrodynamics. Dirac constraint analysis of the theory reveals that there are no local degrees of freedom in the system. Further, the theory enjoys a reduced but an infinite dimensional subalgebra of Galilean conformal symmetry algebra as global symmetries. The full Galilean conformal algebra however is realized as canonical symmetries on the phase space. The corresponding algebra of Hamilton functions acquire a state dependent central charge.

Galilean field theories and conformal structure

We perform a detailed analysis of Galilean field theories, starting with free theories and then interacting theories. We consider non-relativistic versions of massless scalar and Dirac field theories before we go on to review our previous construction of Galilean Electrodynamics and Galilean Yang-Mills theory. We show that in all these cases, the field theories exhibit non-relativistic conformal structure (in appropriate dimensions). The surprising aspect of the analysis is that the non-relativistic conformal structure exhibited by these theories, unlike relativistic conformal invariance, becomes infinite dimensional even in spacetime dimensions greater than two. We then couple matter with Galilean gauge theories and show that there is a myriad of different sectors that arise in the non-relativistic limit from the parent relativistic theories. In every case, if the parent relativistic theory exhibited conformal invariance, we find an infinitely enhanced Galilean conformal invariance in the non-relativistic case. This leads us to suggest that infinite enhancement of symmetries in the non-relativistic limit is a generic feature of conformal field theories in any dimension.

Torsional Newton-Cartan geometry from the Noether procedure

We apply the Noether procedure for gauging space-time symmetries to theories with Galilean symmetries, analyzing both massless and massive (Bargmann) realizations. It is shown that at the linearized level the Noether procedure gives rise to (linearized) torsional Newton-Cartan geometry. In the case of Bargmann theories the Newton-Cartan form $M_\mu$ couples to the conserved mass current. We show that even in the case of theories with massless Galilean symmetries it is necessary to introduce the form $M_\mu$ and that it couples to a topological current. Further, we show that the Noether procedure naturally gives rise to a distinguished affine (Christoffel type) connection that is linear in $M_\mu$ and torsionful. As an application of these techniques we study the coupling of Galilean electrodynamics to TNC geometry at the linearized level.

Symmetries and couplings of non-relativistic electrodynamics

We examine three versions of non-relativistic electrodynamics, known as the electric and magnetic limit theories of Maxwell’s equations and Galilean electrodynamics (GED) which is the off-shell non-relativistic limit of Maxwell plus a free scalar field. For each of these three cases we study the couplings to non-relativistic dynamical charged matter (point particles and charged complex scalars). The GED theory contains besides the electric and magnetic potentials a so-called mass potential making the mass parameter a local function. The electric and magnetic limit theories can be coupled to twistless torsional Newton-Cartan geometry while GED can be coupled to an arbitrary torsional Newton-Cartan background. The global symmetries of the electric and magnetic limit theories on flat space consist in any dimension of the infinite dimensional Galilean conformal algebra and a U(1) current algebra. For the on-shell GED theory this symmetry is reduced but still infinite dimensional, while off-shell only the Galilei algebra plus two dilatations remain. Hence one can scale time and space independently, allowing Lifshitz scale symmetries for any value of the critical exponent z.

Galilean conformal electrodynamics

Maxwell's Electrodynamics admits two distinct Galilean limits called the Electric and Magnetic limits. We show that the equations of motion in both these limits are invariant under the Galilean Conformal Algebra in D=4, thereby exhibiting non-relativistic conformal symmetries. Remarkably, the symmetries are infinite dimensional and thus Galilean Electrodynamics give us the first example of an infinitely extended Galilean Conformal Field Theory in D>2. We examine details of the theory by looking at purely non-relativistic conformal methods and also use input from the limit of the relativistic theory.

On some applications of Galilean electrodynamics of moving bodies

We discuss the seminal article by Le Bellac and Lévy-Leblond in which they identified two Galilean limits (called “electric” and “magnetic” limits) of electromagnetism and their implications. Recent work has shed new light on the choice of gauge conditions in classical electromagnetism. We show that the recourse to potentials is compelling in order to demonstrate the existence of both (electric and magnetic) limits. We revisit some nonrelativistic systems and related experiments, in the light of these limits, in quantum mechanics, superconductivity, and the electrodynamics of continuous media. Much of the current technology where waves are not taken into account can be described in a coherent fashion by the two limits of Galilean electromagnetism instead of an inconsistent mixture of these limits.

Electroacoustic equations for one-domain ferroelectric bodies

Based on a fully Galilean electrodynamics of dielectric deformable bodies, a completely deductive derivation of the coupled, dynamical, electromagnetic, electroacoustic, and energetic equations and constitutive equations for elastic, pyroelectric, ferroelectric dielectrics accommodating viscosity and dielectric-relaxation phenomena is presented. Of necessity the theory is first constructed in a fully nonlinear framework even though applications to signal processing are envisaged. Then a linearization is performed by Lagrangian variation about an initial ferroelectric state in which there exist no strains, but there are present both stresses and local electric field as well as an initial electric polarization. The latter provokes a breaking of the ideal symmetry of the material, so that finally linearized coupled electroacoustic and heat-propagation equations are deduced on which can be based the study of coupled acoustic-soft optic modes in ferroelectrics of the BaTiO3-type. No thermodynamical restriction other than the fulfillment of the second principle of thermodynamics is considered, so that dissipative processes such as viscosity and dielectric relaxation appear naturally on an equal footing with elasticity, piezoelectricity, thermoelasticity, and pyroelectricity.

Coupled acoustic–optic modes in deformable ferroelectrics

Based on a fully Galilean electrodynamics of ferroelectric dielectric deformable bodies and the equations for weak fields linearized about an initial rigid-body ferroelectric state with hexagonal symmetry deduced in a previous paper (in which a symmetry breaking was exhibited), a rather complete study of coupled, dispersive, and attenuated bulk wave-propagation modes is presented. Apart from usual optic modes, resonance couplings and repulsion of branches for acoustic modes and polaritons are exhibited for various directions of propagation (longitudinal, orthogonal, and arbitrary settings of the bias polarization field). A birefringence effect for polaritons and an acoustical activity are placed in evidence. In addition to the analytical study which leans on the use of small coupling parameters in order to allow for a manageable discussion of the dispersion behavior for both nondissipative and dissipative processes, and to illustrate these theoretical results, numerical estimates and plots of the most interesting coupling effects are given for a test material such as ferroelectric barium titanate.