Canonical structure of the theory of gauge fields interacting with matter fields (Q1073377)

This paper applies general concepts, which have been developed by the first author and \textit{W. M. Tulczyjew} [''A symplectic framework for field theories'' (1979; Zbl 0439.58002)] to gauge field theories. In this context the configuration of a gauge field is represented by a connection one-form in some principal fibre bundle with structure group G over space time M. These connection one-forms may be viewed as sections in the so called ''configuration bundle'' \(Q=\cup_{x\in M}Q_ x\) with fibre \(Q_ x=T^*_ x M\otimes g\) (here g denotes the Lie algebra of G). From this object the ''phase bundle'' \(P=\cup_{x\in M}P_ x\) with fibre \(P_ x=T^*Q_ x\otimes \bigwedge^{3}T^*_ x M\) is constructed. Elements of P may be represented locally as \((x^{\mu}\), \(A^ a_{\lambda}\), \(p_ a^{\lambda \mu})\), where \(x^{\mu}\) label base points in M, \(A^ a_{\lambda}\) the gauge potential, and \(p_ a^{\lambda \mu}\) the canonical momenta. The most important object within this framework is the ''infinitesimal phase bundle'' \(P^ i\), which is given by fibering the first jet prolongation \(J^ 1P\) by the equivalence relation of identifying jets having the same divergence of canonical momenta. It is shown, that each fiber \(P^ i_ x\) carries a symplectic structure. These constructions are concisely presented in the first two paragraphs. In order to understand the physical ideas behind the mathematical definitions the reader should consult the above cited Lecture Notes volume. The third paragraph establishes the existence of constraints due to the gauge invariance of the theory, and the fourth paragraph shows that the dynamically admissible states define some Lagrangian submanifold \(D^ i_ x\subset P^ i_ x\). The fifth paragraph deals with energy density viewed as a generating function. Whereas up to here the paper was concerned with free gauge fields, the last two paragraphs consider coupling to matter fields, which are represented as sections in associated bundles (as usual). The authors announce a subsequent paper on the reduction of phase space within this highly interesting setup.