Hamiltonian interpretation of anomalies (Q1069535)

A problem of anomaly in gauge theories is discussed. It is shown that a family of quantum systems parametrized by the points of a compact space can realize its classical symmetries via a new kind of nontrivial ray representation. This phenomenon occurs for the quantum mechanics of fermions in the presence of background gauge fields and is responsible for both the nonabelian anomaly and Witten's SU(2) anomaly. This provides a Hamiltonian interpretation of anomalies: in anomalous theories one cannot formulate any Gauss law to constrain the physical state.