$PT$ Symmetry, Conformal Symmetry, and the Metrication of Electromagnetism

Abstract

We present some interesting connections between $PT$ symmetry and conformal symmetry. We use them to develop a metricated theory of electromagnetism in which the electromagnetic field is present in the geometric connection. However, unlike Weyl who first advanced this possibility, we do not take the connection to be real but to instead be $PT$ symmetric, with it being $i{A}_{\mu }$ rather than $A_{\mu }$ itself that then appears in the connection. With this modification the standard minimal coupling of electromagnetism to fermions is obtained. Through the use of torsion we obtain a metricated theory of electromagnetism that treats its electric and magnetic sectors symmetrically, with a conformal invariant theory of gravity being found to emerge. An extension to the non-Abelian case is provided.

arXiv comment15 pages, revtex4. Version expanded to include explanatory introduction