Global aspects of gauge anomalies

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6897244

Zhang, H

This dissertation discusses the global aspects of gauge anomalies in even dimensions. After a very brief description of local gauge anomalies, the possible global gauge anomalies for various gauge theories are discussed using homotopy theory. One of the main results obtained in a general formula for the SU(n - k) global gauge anomaly coefficient in arbitrary 2n dimensions. The result is expressed in terms of the James number of the Stiefel manifold SU(n + 1)/SU(n - k) and the generalized Dynkin indices. From this, the possibilities of SU(n), SU(n - 1), and SU(2) global gauge anomalies in arbitrary 2n dimensions have been determined. We have also determined the possibilities of global gauge anomalies for the gauge groups SP(2N) and SO(N) in certain general dimensions, as well as for the exceptional gauge groups in specific dimensions. Moreover, several general propositions are formulated and proved which are very useful in the study of global gauge anomalies.

• Research Organization: Rochester Univ., NY (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6897244
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

657000* -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200 -- Mathematics & Computers
CALCULATION METHODS
DATA
DIMENSIONS
GLOBAL ASPECTS
INFORMATION
INVARIANCE PRINCIPLES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUMERICAL DATA
PARTICLE MODELS
THEORETICAL DATA
UNIFIED GAUGE MODELS