Systematics of higher-spin gauge fields

Journal Article · Tue Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Phys. Rev., D; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.21.358· OSTI ID:5541826

de Wit, B; Freedman, D Z

Free-field theories for symmetric tensor and tensor-spinor gauge fields have recently been obtained which describe massless particles of arbitrary integer or half-integer spin. An independent discussion of these field theories is given here, based on a hierarchy of generalized Christoffel symbols with simple gauge transformation properties. The necessity of certain constraints on gauge fields and parameters is easily seen. Wave equations and Lagrangians are expressed in terms of the Christoffel symbols, and the independent modes of the system are counted in covariant gauges. Minimal-coupling inconsistency and a combined system of higher-spin boson gauge fields interacting with relativistic particles is discussed.

• Research Organization: Institute for Theoretical Physics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794
• OSTI ID: 5541826
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev., D; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev., D; (United States) Vol. 21:2; ISSN PRVDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

645400* -- High Energy Physics-- Field Theory
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ANGULAR MOMENTUM
BOSONS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ENERGY RANGE
EQUATIONS
FIELD THEORIES
FUNCTIONS
GAUGE INVARIANCE
INVARIANCE PRINCIPLES
LAGRANGIAN FUNCTION
MASSLESS PARTICLES
PARTICLE PROPERTIES
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
SPIN
SPINORS
TENSOR FORCES
WAVE EQUATIONS