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Symmetries in constrained Hamiltonian systems

Journal Article · · Ann. Phys. (N.Y.); (United States)

We derive an algorithm for the construction of all the gauge generators of a constrained hamiltonian theory. Dirac's conjecture that all secondary first-class constraints generate symmetries is revisited and replaced by a theorem. The algorithm is applied to Yang-Mills theories and metric gravity, and we find generators which operate on the complete set of canonical variables, thus producing the correct transformation laws also for the unphysical theories. We show how in most cases one can read off the first-class constraints directly from the Hamiltonian.

Research Organization:
Institute for Theoretical Physics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794
OSTI ID:
6234299
Journal Information:
Ann. Phys. (N.Y.); (United States), Journal Name: Ann. Phys. (N.Y.); (United States) Vol. 143:2; ISSN APNYA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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