Infinite dimensional Lie algebras in 4D conformal quantum field theory
Nov, 2007
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Abstract: (arXiv)
The concept of global conformal invariance (GCI) opens the way of applying algebraic techniques, developed in the context of 2-dimensional chiral conformal field theory, to a higher (even) dimensional space-time. In particular, a system of GCI scalar fields of conformal dimension two gives rise to a Lie algebra of harmonic bilocal fields, V_m(x,y), where the m span a finite dimensional real matrix algebra M closed under transposition. The associative algebra M is irreducible iff its commutant M' coincides with one of the three real division rings. The Lie algebra of (the modes of) the bilocal fields is in each case an infinite dimensional Lie algebra: sp(infty,R) corresponding to the field R of reals, u(infty,infty) associated to the field C of complex numbers, and so*(4 infty) related to the algebra H of quaternions. They give rise to quantum field theory models with superselection sectors governed by the (global) gauge groups O(N), U(N), and U(N,H)=Sp(2N), respectively.Note:
- 15 pages
- field theory: conformal
- dimension: 4
- axiomatic field theory
- superselection rule
- algebra: Lie
- operator: algebra
- commutation relations
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