BRST model for equivariant cohomology and representatives for the equivariant Thom class (Q1801502)

The BRST method of quantization is applied to the topological field theories. The BRST operator is obtained as a member of a one family of operators connecting the Weil model and the Cartan model for equivariant cohomology. It is identified with the sum of an equivariant derivation and its Fourier transform. The Mathai-Quillen representative for the Thom class of associated vector bundles is obtained as the Fourier transform of a simple BRST closed element of the BRST algebra. It is suggested that the quantum action for topological Yang-Mills theory obtained in this paper is closer to physics and it may be considered as the beginning of an explanation why BRST theory works so well for topological theories.