Abstract: (World Scientific)
We build unitary representations of the BMS algebra and its higher-spin extensions in three dimensions, using induced representations as a guide. Our prescription naturally emerges from an ultrarelativistic limit of highest-weight representations of Virasoro and 𝒲 algebras, which is to be contrasted with nonrelativistic limits that typically give nonunitary representations. To support this dichotomy, we also point out that the ultrarelativistic and nonrelativistic limits of generic 𝒲 algebras differ in the structure of their nonlinear terms.
Note:
  • 27 pages; contribution to the proceedings of the workshop "Higher Spin Gauge Theories", Institute for Advanced Studies, NTU, Singapore, November 4-6, 2015
  • 02.20.Qs
  • 02.20.Tw
  • 04.20.Ha
  • 11.25.Hf
  • 11.30.Cp
  • 11.30.Ly
  • Higher-spin gauge theories in three dimensions
  • BMS symmetry
  • dimension: 3
  • algebra: W