Local symmetries of the non-Abelian two-form

Abstract

It is proposed that a non-Abelian adjoint two-form in BF type theories transform inhomogeneously under the gauge group. The resulting restrictions on invariant actions are discussed. The auxiliary one-form which is required for maintaining vector gauge symmetry transforms like a second gauge field, and hence cannot be fully absorbed in the two-form. But it can be replaced, via a vector gauge transformation, by the usual gauge field, leading to gauge equivalences between different types of theories. A new type of symmetry also appears, one which depends on local functions but cannot be generated by constraints. It is connected to the identity in the limit of a vanishing global parameter, so it should be called a semiglobal symmetry. The corresponding conserved currents and BRST charges are parametrized by the space of flat connections.

RevTeX4, 11 pages, minor corrections

References in corpus (4)

• Non-Abelian Wilson Surfaces
• Differential Geometry of Gerbes
• Topologically Massive Non-Abelian Gauge Theories: Constraints and Deformations
• Gauge transformations of the non-Abelian two-form

Cited by in corpus (9)

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• From Loop Space Mechanics to Nonabelian Strings
• Nonabelian 2-forms and loop space connections from SCFT deformations
• The Noncommutative U(N) Kalb-Ramond Theory
• 2-Form Gauge Field Theories and "No Go" for Yang-Mills Relativistic Actions
• Superunitary operator and BRST transformations for non-Abelian two-form