Sh-Lie algebras Induced by Gauge Transformations

Abstract

The physics of ``particles of spin $\le 2$'' leads to representations of a Lie algebra $\Xi$ of gauge parameters on a vector space $\Phi$ of fields. Attempts to develop an analogous theory for spin $>2$ have failed; in fact, there are claims that such a theory is impossible (though we have been unable to determine the hypotheses for such a `no-go' theorem). This led BBvD [burgers:diss,BBvd:three,BBvD:probs] to generalize to `field dependent parameters' in a setting where some analysis in terms of smooth functions is possible. Having recognized the resulting structure as that of an sh-lie algebra ($L_{\infty }$-algebra), we have now reproduced their structure entirely algebraically, hopefully shedding some light on what is going on.

Now 24 pages, LaTeX, no figures Extensively revised in terms of the applications and on shell aspects. In particular, a new section 8 analyzes Ikeda's 2D example from our perspective. His bracket is revealed as a generalized Kirillov-Kostant bracket. Additional references