Background gauge invariance in the antifield formalism for theories with open gauge algebras

Abstract

We show that any BRST invariant quantum action with open or closed gauge algebra has a corresponding local background gauge invariance. If the BRST symmetry is anomalous, but the anomaly can be removed in the antifield formalism, then the effective action possesses a local background gauge invariance. The presence of antifields (BRST sources) is necessary. As an example we analyze chiral $W_3$ gravity.

17pp., Latex, mispelling in my name! corrected, no other changes

References in corpus (3)

• Simplifications in Lagrangian BV quantization exemplified by the anomalies of chiral $W_3$ gravity
• Hiding Anomalies
• Field-Antifield formalism for Anomalous Gauge Theories

Cited by in corpus (1)

• Super Background Field Method for N=2 SYM