Abelian 3-form gauge theory: Superfield approach

We discuss a D-dimensional Abelian 3-form gauge theory within the framework of Bonora-Tonin’s superfield formalism and derive the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for this theory. To pay our homage to Victor I. Ogievetsky (1928–1996), who was one of the inventors of Abelian 2-form (antisymmetric tensor) gauge field, we go a step further and discuss the above D-dimensional Abelian 3-form gauge theory within the framework of BRST formalism and establish that the existence of the (anti-)BRST invariant Curci-Ferrari (CF) type of restrictions is the hallmark of any arbitrary p-form gauge theory (discussed within the framework of BRST formalism).     

BRST analysis of topologically massive gauge theory: novel observations

A dynamical non-Abelian 2-form gauge theory (with B∧F term) is endowed with the “scalar” and “vector” gauge symmetry transformations. In our present endeavor, we exploit the latter gauge symmetry transformations and perform the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) analysis of the four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) topologically massive non-Abelian 2-form gauge theory. We demonstrate the existence of some novel features that have, hitherto, not been observed in the context of BRST approach to 4D (non-)Abelian 1-form as well as Abelian 2-form and 3-form gauge theories. We comment on the differences between the novel features that emerge in the BRST analysis of the “scalar” and “vector” gauge symmetries.     

Abelian 2-form gauge theory: superfield formalism

We derive the off-shell nilpotent Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for all the fields of a free Abelian 2-form gauge theory by exploiting the geometrical superfield approach to the BRST formalism. The above four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) theory is considered on a (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold parameterized by the four even spacetime variables x ^μ (with μ=0,1,2,3) and a pair of odd Grassmannian variables θ and (with ). One of the salient features of our present investigation is that the above nilpotent (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations turn out to be absolutely anticommuting due to the presence of a Curci–Ferrari (CF) type of restriction. The latter condition emerges due to the application of our present superfield formalism. The actual CF condition, as is well known, is the hallmark of a 4D non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory. We demonstrate that our present 4D Abelian 2-form gauge theory imbibes some of the key signatures of the 4D non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory. We briefly comment on the generalization of our superfield approach to the case of Abelian 3-form gauge theory in four, (3+1), dimensions of spacetime.     

An alternative to the horizontality condition in the superfield approach to BRST symmetries

We provide an alternative to the gauge covariant horizontality condition, which is responsible for the derivation of the nilpotent (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations for the gauge and (anti-) ghost fields of a (3+1)-dimensional (4D) interacting 1-form non-Abelian gauge theory in the framework of the usual superfield approach to the Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism. The above covariant horizontality condition is replaced by a gauge invariant restriction on the (4,2)-dimensional supermanifold, parameterised by a set of four spacetime coordinates, x^μ(μ=0,1,2,3), and a pair of Grassmannian variables, θ and θ̄. The latter condition enables us to derive the nilpotent (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations for all the fields of an interacting 1-form 4D non-Abelian gauge theory in which there is an explicit coupling between the gauge field and the Dirac fields. The key differences and the striking similarities between the above two conditions are pointed out clearly. PACS 11.15.-q; 12.20.-m; 03.70.+k     

Absolutely anticommuting (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations for topologically massive Abelian gauge theory

We demonstrate the existence of the nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for the four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) topologically massive Abelian U(1) gauge theory that is described by the coupled Lagrangian densities (which incorporate the celebrated (B∧F) term). The absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations is ensured by the existence of a Curci–Ferrari type restriction that emerges from the superfield formalism as well as from the equations of motion which are derived from the above coupled Lagrangian densities. We show the invariance of the action from the point of view of the symmetry considerations as well as superfield formulation. We discuss, furthermore, the topological term within the framework of superfield formalism and provide the geometrical meaning of its invariance under the (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations.     

On free 4D Abelian 2-form and anomalous 2D Abelian 1-form gauge theories

We demonstrate a few striking similarities and some glaring differences between (i) the free four- (3+1)-dimensional (4D) Abelian 2-form gauge theory, and (ii) the anomalous two- (1+1)-dimensional (2D) Abelian 1-form gauge theory, within the framework of Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism. We demonstrate that the Lagrangian densities of the above two theories transform in a similar fashion under a set of symmetry transformations even though they are endowed with a drastically different variety of constraint structures. With the help of our understanding of the 4D Abelian 2-form gauge theory, we prove that the gauge-invariant version of the anomalous 2D Abelian 1-form gauge theory is a new field-theoretic model for the Hodge theory where all the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry find their physical realizations in the language of proper symmetry transformations. The corresponding conserved charges obey an algebra that is reminiscent of the algebra of the cohomological operators. We briefly comment on the consistency of the 2D anomalous 1-form gauge theory in the language of restrictions on the harmonic state of the (anti-) BRST and (anti-) co-BRST invariant version of the above 2D theory.     

Nilpotent symmetry invariance in the non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory: Superfield formalism

We demonstrate that the nilpotent Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry invariance of the Lagrangian density of a four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory with Dirac fields can be captured within the framework of the superfield approach to BRST formalism. The above 4D theory, where there is an explicit coupling between the non-Abelian 1-form gauge field and the Dirac fields, is considered on a (4,2)-dimensional supermanifold, parametrized by the bosonic 4D spacetime variables and a pair of Grassmannian variables. We show that the Grassmannian independence of the super-Lagrangian density, expressed in terms of the (4,2)-dimensional superfields, is a clear signature of the presence of the (anti-)BRST invariance in the original 4D theory.      

Augmented superfield approach to exact nilpotent symmetries for matter fields in non-Abelian theory

We derive the nilpotent (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations for the Dirac (matter) fields of an interacting four (3+1)-dimensional 1-form non-Abelian gauge theory by applying the theoretical arsenal of augmented superfield formalism where (i) the horizontality condition, and (ii) the equality of a gauge invariant quantity, on the six (4,2)-dimensional supermanifold, are exploited together. The above supermanifold is parameterized by four bosonic spacetime coordinates x^μ (with μ=0,1,2,3) and a couple of Grassmannian variables θ and θ̄. The on-shell nilpotent BRST symmetry transformations for all the fields of the theory are derived by considering the chiral superfields on the five (4,1)-dimensional super sub-manifold and the off-shell nilpotent symmetry transformations emerge from the consideration of the general superfields on the full six (4,2)-dimensional supermanifold. Geometrical interpretations for all the above nilpotent symmetry transformations are also discussed within the framework of augmented superfield formalism.     

Free Abelian 2-form gauge theory: BRST approach

We discuss various symmetry properties of the Lagrangian density of a four- (3+1)-dimensional (4D) free Abelian 2-form gauge theory within the framework of Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) formalism. The present free Abelian gauge theory is endowed with a Curci–Ferrari type condition, which happens to be a key signature of the 4D non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory. In fact, it is due to the above condition that the nilpotent BRST and anti-BRST symmetries of our present theory are found to be absolutely anticommuting in nature. For the present 2-form theory, we discuss the BRST, anti-BRST, ghost and discrete symmetry properties of the Lagrangian densities and derive the corresponding conserved charges. The algebraic structure, obeyed by the above conserved charges, is deduced and the constraint analysis is performed with the help of physicality criteria, where the conserved and nilpotent (anti-) BRST charges play completely independent roles. These physicality conditions lead to the derivation of the above Curci–Ferrari type restriction, within the framework of the BRST formalism, from the constraint analysis. PACS  11.15.-q; 12.20.-m; 03.70.+k     

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.     

Augmented superfield approach to unique nilpotent symmetries for complex scalar fields in QED

The derivation of the exact and unique nilpotent Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetries for the matter fields, present in any arbitrary interacting gauge theory, has been a long-standing problem in the framework of the superfield approach to the BRST formalism. These nilpotent symmetry transformations are deduced for the four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) complex scalar fields, coupled to the U(1) gauge field, in the framework of an augmented superfield formalism. This interacting gauge theory (i.e. QED) is considered on a six (4,2)-dimensional supermanifold parametrized by four even spacetime coordinates and a couple of odd elements of the Grassmann algebra. In addition to the horizontality condition (that is responsible for the derivation of the exact nilpotent symmetries for the gauge field and the (anti-)ghost fields), a new restriction on the supermanifold, owing its origin to the (super) covariant derivatives, has been invoked for the derivation of the exact nilpotent symmetry transformations for the matter fields. The geometrical interpretations for all the above nilpotent symmetries are discussed, too. PACS 11.15.-q, 12.20.-m, 03.70.+k     

Unique nilpotent symmetry transformations for matter fields in QED: augmented superfield formalism

We derive the off-shell nilpotent (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations for the interacting U(1) gauge theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) in the framework of the augmented superfield approach to the BRST formalism. In addition to the horizontality condition, we invoke another gauge invariant condition on the six (4,2)-dimensional supermanifold to obtain the exact and unique nilpotent symmetry transformations for all the basic fields present in the (anti-)BRST invariant Lagrangian density of the physical four (3+1)-dimensional QED. The above supermanifold is parametrized by four even space–time variables (with μ=0,1,2,3) and two odd variables (θ and ) of the Grassmann algebra. The new gauge invariant condition on the supermanifold owes its origin to the (super) covariant derivatives and leads to the derivation of unique nilpotent symmetry transformations for the matter fields. The geometrical interpretations for all the above off-shell nilpotent (anti-)BRST transformations are also discussed. PACS 11.15.-q, 12.20.-m, 03.70.+k     

Cosmological perturbations in SFT inspired non-local scalar field models

We clearly and consistently supersymmetrize the celebrated horizontality condition to derive the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi?CRouet?CStora?CTyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for the supersymmetric system of a free spinning relativistic particle within the framework of superfield approach to BRST formalism. For the precise determination of the proper (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations for all the bosonic and fermionic dynamical variables of our system, we consider the present theory on a (1,2)-dimensional supermanifold parameterized by an even (bosonic) variable (??) and a pair of odd (fermionic) variables ?? and $\bar{\theta}$ (with $\theta^{2} = \bar{\theta}^{2} = 0$ , $\theta\bar{\theta}+ \bar{\theta}\theta= 0$ ) of the Grassmann algebra. One of the most important and novel features of our present investigation is the derivation of (anti-)BRST invariant Curci?CFerrari type restriction which turns out to be responsible for the absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-)BRST transformations and existence of the coupled (but equivalent) Lagrangians for the present theory of a supersymmetric system. These observations are completely new results for this model.     

Gauge theory in deformed $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (1, 1) superspace

We review the non-anticommutative Q-deformations of = (1, 1) supersymmetric theories in four-dimensional Euclidean harmonic superspace. These deformations preserve chirality and harmonic Grassmann analyticity. The associated field theories arise as a low-energy limit of string theory in specific backgrounds and generalize the Moyal-deformed supersymmetric field theories. A characteristic feature of the Q-deformed theories is the half-breaking of supersymmetry in the chiral sector of the Euclidean superspace. Our main focus is on the chiral singlet Q-deformation, which is distinguished by preserving the SO(4) ∼ Spin(4) “Lorentz” symmetry and the SU(2) R-symmetry. We present the superfield and component structures of the deformed = (1, 0) supersymmetric gauge theory as well as of hypermultiplets coupled to a gauge superfield: invariant actions, deformed transformation rules, and so on. We discuss quantum aspects of these models and prove their renormalizability in the Abelian case. For the charged hypermultiplet in an Abelian gauge superfield background we construct the deformed holomorphic effective action. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Nilpotent Symmetries in Jackiw-Pi Model: Augmented Superfield Approach

We derive the complete set of off-shell nilpotent \(\left (s^{2}_{(a)b} = 0\right )\) and absolutely anticommuting (s_bs_ab+s_abs_b=0) Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) (s_b) as well as anti-BRST symmetry transformations (s_ab) corresponding to the combined Yang-Mills and non-Yang-Mills symmetries of the (2+1)-dimensional Jackiw-Pi model within the framework of augmented superfield formalism. The absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-)BRST symmetries is ensured by the existence of two sets of Curci-Ferrari (CF) type of conditions which emerge naturally in this formalism. The presence of CF conditions enables us to derive the coupled but equivalent Lagrangian densities. We also capture the (anti-)BRST invariance of the coupled Lagrangian densities in the superfield formalism. The derivation of the (anti-)BRST transformations of the auxiliary field ρ is one of the key findings which can neither be generated by the nilpotent (anti-)BRST charges nor by the requirements of the nilpotency and/or absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-)BRST transformations. Finally, we provide a bird’s-eye view on the role of auxiliary field for various massive models and point out few striking similarities and some glaring differences among them.     

Rigid rotor as a toy model for Hodge theory

We apply the superfield approach to the toy model of a rigid rotor and show the existence of the nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations, under which, the kinetic term and the action remain invariant. Furthermore, we also derive the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting (anti-) co-BRST symmetry transformations, under which, the gauge-fixing term and the Lagrangian remain invariant. The anticommutator of the above nilpotent symmetry transformations leads to the derivation of a bosonic symmetry transformation, under which, the ghost terms and the action remain invariant. Together, the above transformations (and their corresponding generators) respect an algebra that turns out to be a physical realization of the algebra obeyed by the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry. Thus, our present model is a toy model for the Hodge theory.     

A field-theoretic model for Hodge theory

We demonstrate that the four-dimensional (4D) ((3+1)-dimensional) free Abelian 2-form gauge theory presents a tractable field-theoretical model for the Hodge theory where the well-defined symmetry transformations correspond to the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry. The conserved charges, corresponding to the above continuous symmetry transformations, obey an algebra that is reminiscent of the algebra obeyed by the cohomological operators. The discrete symmetry transformation of the theory represents the realization of the Hodge duality operation that exists in the relationship between the exterior and co-exterior derivatives of differential geometry. Thus, we provide the realizations of all the mathematical quantities, associated with the de Rham cohomological operators, in the language of the symmetries of the present 4D free Abelian 2-form gauge theory.     

The descent of off-shell supersymmetry to the mass shell

It is shown that classical actions for some “physically interesting” quantum field theories can be obtained as effective actions from the single “fundamental” theory of the Chern–Simons form. The physical degrees of freedom are encoded in the space of cohomologies of a certain differential operator. This observation suggests a different perspective on some of the supersymmetric properties of these effective theories. Namely, it is possible to construct a superfield formalism which allows to find off-shell SUSY actions for the on-shell supersymmetric theories, where conventional superfield formalism does not work. This formalism contains even auxiliary variables λ^α in addition to conventional odd variables θ^α. This idea is similar to the Pure Spinor construction. This paper is a short review of papers [11, 12]. Original results discussed below were obtained in collaboration with V. Alexandrov, A. Gorodentsev, A. Losev and V. Lysov.     

Generalised BRST symmetry and gaugeon formalism for perturbative quantum gravity: Novel observation

In this paper the novel features of Yokoyama gaugeon formalism are stressed out for the theory of perturbative quantum gravity in the Einstein curved spacetime. The quantum gauge transformations for the theory of perturbative gravity are demonstrated in the framework of gaugeon formalism. These quantum gauge transformations lead to renormalised gauge parameter. Further, we analyse the BRST symmetric gaugeon formalism which embeds more acceptable Kugo–Ojima subsidiary condition. Further, the BRST symmetry is made finite and field-dependent. Remarkably, the Jacobian of path integral under finite and field-dependent BRST symmetry amounts to the exact gaugeon action in the effective theory of perturbative quantum gravity.