A Canonical Analysis of the First Order Einstein-Hilbert Action

Abstract

The Dirac constraint formalism is applied to the d(d>2) dimensional Einstein-Hilbert action when written in first order form, using the metric density and affine connection as independent fields. Field equations not involving time derivatives are not used to eliminate fields. Primary, secondary and tertiary constraints arise, leaving d(d-3) degrees of freedom in phase space. The Poisson Bracket algebra of these constraints is given.