New Lagrangians for Bosonic m-branes with vanishing cosmological constant

A class of conformally invariant σ model actions in 2n dimensions is shown to be classically equivalent to the Nambu-Goto action for an extended object, an m-brane (m+1=2n), embedded in a higher dimensional space-time (d⪖m+1). when m is even, a (2n + 1)-dimensional σ model action is also constructed, which is classically equivalent to the Nambu-Goto action, but in this case there is no conformal invariance. In both cases the cosmological constant can be set to zero.     

Scale and conformal covariance in quantum electrodynamics

The paper consists of two independent parts. First, we review the situationin scale invariant massless QED from an axiomatic standpoint. Assuming that the τ-functions (or, equivalently, the Euclidean Schwinger functions) transform covariantly under dilatations, we deduce that the current j_τ(x) has zero n-point Wightman functions, but nonvanishing τ-functions. Assuming in addition conformal invariance of the current-field vertex function, we write down a bootstrap equation similar to the one derived in [7] from the point of view of pertubation theory. Next we consider a non-Lagrangian, conformal invariant model of interacting antisymmetric tensor field F_μv (of scale dimension d) and Dirac field ψ (of dimension d'. The model involves two conserved currents (an “electric” and a “magnetic” one) and two effective coupling constants. We demonstrate that it is free of ultravioletdivergences in the range of dimensions $\text{2 < d < 3,}\text{3}\text{2}\text{< d′ <}\text{5}\text{2}$.     

Conformal field theories near a boundary in general dimensions

The implications of restricted conformal invariance under conformal transformations preserving a plane boundary are discussed for general dimensions d. Calculations of the universal function of a conformal invariant ξ which appears in the two-point function of scalar operators in conformally invariant theories with a plane boundary are undertaken to first order in the ge = 4 − d expansion for the operator φ² in φ⁴ theory. The form for the associated functions of ξ for the two-point functions for the basic field φ^α and the auxiliary field λ in the N → ∞ limit of the O(N) nonlinear sigma model for any d in the range 2 < d < 4 are also rederived. These results are obtained by integrating the two-point functions over planes parallel to the boundary, defining a restricted two-point function which may be obtained more simply. Assuming conformal invariance this transformation can be inverted to recover the full two-point function. Consistency of the results is checked by considering the limit d → 4 and also by analysis of the operator product expansions for φ^αφ^β and λλ. Using this method the form of the two-point function for the energy-momentum tensor in the conformal O(N) model with a plane boundary is also found. General results for the sum of the contributions of all derivative operators appearing in the operator product expansion, and also in a corresponding boundary operator expansion, to the two-point functions are also derived making essential use of conformal invariance.     

Conformal field theory and the symmetries of string field theory

The two-dimensional conformal field theory representation of Witten's bosonic string field theory is discussed. The basic overlap equations, K_n symmetry and BRST invariance are proved directly, without the usual expansion in oscillators. The conformal field theory approach naturally provides local overlap identities which (when integrated over half the string) can be used to verify properties of the cubic action. In particular, a recently proposed diffeomorphism invariance is shown to be free of anomalies. Finally, a new class of symmetries, including generalizations of the K_n symmetries which are local in spacetime, are presented.     

Rational conformal correlation functions of gauge-invariant local fields in four dimensions

Global conformal invariance in Minkowski space and the Wightman axioms imply strong locality (Huygens principle) and rationality of correlation functions, thus providing an extension of the concept of a vertex algebra to higher (even) dimensions D. We (p)review current work on a model of a Hermitian scalar field L of scale dimension 4 (D = 4) which can be interpreted as the Lagrangian of a gauge field theory that generates the algebra of gauge-invariant local observables in a conformally invariant renormalization group fixed point.     

Theory of the conformally invariant mass

By interpreting the conformal transformations as space-time-dependent change of units and introducing the concept of the conformally invariant mass and charge, we develop new conformally invariant Maxwell equations with source terms and equations of motion for massive particles. Although the usual equations of motion with mass terms break the conformal symmetry, it is shown that the Minkowski space is not the most general framework to describe physical processes and there exists a wider consistent dynamics in which conformal invariance is exact. New results also include the general transformation laws of the electromagnetic fields, of currents and force densities. The theory leads naturally to an affine connection and to the 21-parameter inhomogeneous conformal group, ISO(4, 2).     

Conformal invariance and the six-dimensional formalism

Conformal invariance is discussed assuming the equations are well defined in arbitrary coordinate systems. This assumption leads to some constraints on scale dimensions of terms, and constraints on the introduction of ‘conformally invariant massive equations’. The six-dimensional formalism is then discussed, and is generalized to project to all conformally flat spaces. Finally the imbedding of Minkowski space equations is studied.SO(4, 2) breaking is seen to enter due to the presence of a non-invariant scalar field, and a non-invariant vector field. The theorem relating invariance of the six-space equations underSO(4, 2) to the invariance of their corresponding four-space equations under the conformal group is carefully stated and proved.     

Discrete symmetries in Kaluza-Klein theories

We investigate discrete symmetries in theories of higher-dimensional (d > 4) gravity and their consequences for the reduced four-dimensional theory, obtained for a ground state which is a direct product of four-dimensional Minkowski space and a compact d ? 4 dimensional internal space. If the action of pure d-dimensional gravity coupled to spinors is invariant under time reversal or reflection of an odd number of spacelike co-ordinates, the reduced four-dimensional theory has a non-trivial parity or CT symmetry not consistent with observation. A non-trivial d-dimensional charge conjugation results in an unwanted doubling of the four-dimensional fermion spectrum. As a consequence, realistic theories can only be obtained for Majorana-Weyl spinors in d = 2 mod 8 dimensions. The constraints are less stringent if supplementary fields are introduced in d dimensions. For d = 11 supergravity, for example, parity and CT invariance can be broken by a non-vanishing field strength of the totally antisymmetric three-index tensor.A ground state invariant under reflections of “internal” co-ordinates often gives rise to a non-trivial charge conjugation in four dimensions. We find that the ground state of a realistic Kaluza-Klein theory should not be invariant under any non-trivial internal co-ordinate reflection (which cannot be obtained by a gauge transformation). We finally comment on a possible solution of the strong-CP problem from Kaluza-Klein theories and discuss prospectives for finding internal spaces admitting chiral fermions.     

Dimensional regularization of massless theories in spherical space-time

The use of space-time curvature as an infra-red cut-off has been suggested for massless theories. In this paper we investigate the renormalization of massless theories in a spherical space-time (Euclidean version of de Sitter space) using dimensional regularization. Naive expectations are confirmed, namely that the coupling constant and wave-function renormalizations are independent of the curvature. Furthermore the curvature does not induce divergent mass terms or vacuum field values as would be possible on purely dimensional grounds. Although we have investigated only scalar field theories, φ⁴ theory in four dimensions and φ³ theory in six, these results are encouraging for an application of the method to gauge theories.Formally massless theories are conformally invariant so the formulation of the theory in a spherical space ought to be equivalent to its formulation in flat space. In fact the renormalization procedure breaks conformal invariance and removes this equivalence. We show that to achieve the flat space limit it is necessary to invoke the aid of the renormalization group. Thus the zero curvature limit can be achieved for infra-red stable theories (φ₄⁴) but not for infra-red unstable theories (φ₆³ as might be expected.     

Semiclassical and quantum Liouville theory on the sphere

We solve the Riemann–Hilbert problem on the sphere topology for three singularities of finite strength and a fourth one infinitesimal, by determining perturbatively the Poincaré accessory parameters. In this way we compute the semiclassical four point vertex function with three finite charges and a fourth infinitesimal. Some of the results are extended to the case of n finite charges and m infinitesimal. With the same technique we compute the exact Green function on the sphere with three finite singularities. Turning to the full quantum problem we address the calculation of the quantum determinant on the background of three finite charges and the further perturbative corrections. The zeta function technique provides a theory which is not invariant under local conformal transformations. Instead by employing a regularization suggested in the case of the pseudosphere by Zamolodchikov and Zamolodchikov we obtain the correct quantum conformal dimensions from the one loop calculation and we show explicitly that the two loop corrections do not change such dimensions. We expect such a result to hold to all order perturbation theory.     

Invariant differential operators for non-compact Lie groups: The main su(n, n) cases

In the present paper we continue the project of systematic construction of invariant differential operators on the example of the non-compact algebras su(n, n). Our choice of these algebras is motivated by the fact that for n = 2 this is the conformal algebra of 4-dimensional Minkowski space-time. Furthermore for general n these algebras belong to a narrow class of algebras, which we call “conformal Lie algebras”, which have very similar properties to the conformal algebras of n ²-dimensional Minkowski space-time. We give the main multiplets of indecomposable elementary representations for n = 2, 3, 4, including the necessary data for all relevant invariant differential operators.     

Modular invariance,chiral anomalies and contact terms

The chiral anomaly in heterotic strings with full and partial modular invariance in D = 2n + 2 dimensions is calculated. The boundary terms which were present in previous calculations are shown to be cancelled in the modular-invariant case by contact terms, which can be obtained by an appropriate analytic continuation. The relation to the low-energy field theory is explained. In theories with partial modular invariance, an expression for the anomaly iis obtained and shown to be non-zero in general.     

Reducible scale invariance at short distances

It is proven that, using reducible scale invariance at short distances, conformal symmetry implies canonical (Bjorken) scaling, provided diagonal dimensions of dilatation multiplets occuring in the operator product expansion of two electromagnetic currents have the canonical value l_n = 2 + n. If the electromagnetic current itself belongs to such multiplets then the hadron production cross section in e⁺e^? annihilation falls off faster than $\text{1}\text{s}$ at asymptotic energy.     

Derivation of the Dirac Equation by Conformal Differential Geometry

A rigorous ab initio derivation of the (square of) Dirac’s equation for a particle with spin is presented. The Lagrangian of the classical relativistic spherical top is modified so to render it invariant with respect conformal changes of the metric of the top configuration space. The conformal invariance is achieved by replacing the particle mass in the Lagrangian with the conformal Weyl scalar curvature. The Hamilton-Jacobi equation for the particle is found to be linearized, exactly and in closed form, by an ansatz solution that can be straightforwardly interpreted as the “quantum wave function” of the 4-spinor solution of Dirac’s equation. All quantum features arise from the subtle interplay between the conformal curvature acting on the particle as a potential and the particle motion which affects the geometric “pre-potential” associated to the conformal curvature itself. The theory, carried out here by assuming a Minkowski metric, can be easily extended to arbitrary space-time Riemann metric, e.g. the one adopted in the context of General Relativity. This novel theoretical scenario appears to be of general application and is expected to open a promising perspective in the modern endeavor aimed at the unification of the natural forces with gravitation.     

A fixed point for quantum gravity

Using the 1/N expansion a fixed point of the renormalization group is found for quantized gravitational theories which is non-trivial in all dimensions, d, including four. Using the fixed point it is shown how Einstein's theory can be renormalized for 3<d<4. In four dimensions the pure Einstein theory does not exist, but the R + C_μναβ² theory does. It is shown how gravitational theories whose quantum lagrangians are scale invariant may be renormalized such that the scale invariance is broken only by the choice of the critical renormalization group trajectory. A comparison is made with the renormalization of four-fermion and Yukawa theories in 4?? dimensions which suggests that quantum gravity might exist in four dimensions even if those theories do not.     

Maxwell equations in conformal invariant electrodynamics

We consider a conformal invariant formulation of quantum electrodynamics. Conformal invariance is achieved with a specific mathematical construction based on the indecomposable representations of the conformal group associated with the electromagnetic potential and current. As a corollary of this construction modified expressions for the 3-point Green functions are obtained which both contain transverse parts. They make it possible to formulate a conformal invariant skeleton perturbation theory. It is also shown that the Euclidean Maxwell equations in conformal electrodynamics are manifestations of its kinematical structure: in the case of the 3-point Green functions these equations follow (up to constants) from the conformal invariance while in the case of higher Green functions they are equivalent to the equality of the kernels of the partial wave expansions. This is the manifestation of the mathematical fact of a (partial) equivalence of the representations associated with the potential, current and the field tensor.     

Derivation of an effective Lagrangian from a generalized scalar curvature

A spinor Lagrangian invariant under global coordinate, local Lorentz and local chiral SU(n) × SU(n) gauge transformations is presented. The invariance requirement necessitates the introduction of boson fields, and a theory for these fields is then developed by relating them to generalizations of the vector connections in general relativity and utilizing an expanded scalar curvature as a boson Lagrangian. In implementing this plan, the local Lorentz group is found to greatly facilitate the correlation of the boson fields occurring in the spinor Lagrangian with the generalized vector connections.The independent boson fields of the theory are assumed to be the inhomogeneously transforming irreducible parts of the connections. It turns out that no homogeneously transforming parts are necessary to reproduce the chiral Lagrangian usually used as a basis for phenomenological field theories. The Lagrangian in question appears when the gravitational interaction is turned off. It includes pseudoscalar, spinor, vector, and axial vector fields, and the vector fields carry mass in spite of the fact that the theory is locally gauge invariant.     

Remarks on Wilson lines,modular invariance and possible string relics in Calabi-Yau compactifications

When one mods out a (2,2) conformal field theory by the action of a discrete group, it is possible to include Wilson lines to break the gauge symmetry. We simplify and generalize an earlier analysis by Witten of the constraints that modular invariance places on the allowed symmetry breaking patterns. The analysis does not depend on the details of the original conformal field theory. We then consider the fractionally charged states in such theories, first discussed by Wen and Witten. We note that these are rather generic, and consider the possibilities for their detection. We also note that, while in general they are expected to be massive (∼M_Planck), in models based on free fields, such as orbifold compactifications, there are likely to be massless (very light) fractionally charged states.     

Invariant length scale in relativistic kinematics: lessons from Dirichlet branes

Dirac–Born–Infeld theory is shown to possess a hidden invariance associated with its maximal electric field strength. The local Lorentz symmetry O(1,n) on a Dirichlet-n-brane is thereby enhanced to an O(1,n)×O(1,n) gauge group, encoding both an invariant velocity and acceleration (or length) scale. The presence of this enlarged gauge group predicts consequences for the kinematics of observers on Dirichlet branes, with admissible accelerations being bounded from above. An important lesson is that the introduction of a fundamental length scale into relativistic kinematics does not enforce a deformation of Lorentz boosts, as one might assume naively. The exhibited structures further show that Moffat's non-symmetric gravitational theory qualifies as a candidate for a consistent Born–Infeld type gravity with regulated solutions.