Non-covariance of the generalized holonomies: Examples

DOI10.1063/1.531615zbMATH Open0880.53058arXivgr-qc/9503064OpenAlexW2127225413MaRDI QIDQ5284841FDOQ5284841

Troy A. Schilling

Publication date: 11 January 1998

Published in: Journal of Mathematical Physics (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: A key aspect of a recent proposal for a {em generalized loop representation} of quantum Yang-Mills theory and gravity is considered. Such a representation of the quantum theory has been expected to arise via consideration of a particular algebra of observables -- given by the traces of the holonomies of {em generalized loops}. We notice, however, a technical subtlety, which prevents us from reaching the conclusion that the generalized holonomies are covariant with respect to small gauge transformations. Further analysis is given which shows that they are {em not} covariant with respect to small gauge transformations; their traces are {em not} observables of the gauge theory. This result indicates what may be a serious complication to the use of generalized loops in physics.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9503064

Recommendations

• Generalized holonomies
• Covariance of the extended holonomy
• Groups of loops and hoops
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zbMATH Keywords

gauge theoryholonomy representationAshtekar formulation of general relativitygeneralized loop group

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Applications of differential geometry to physics (53Z05) Loop spaces (55P35) Yang-Mills and other gauge theories in quantum field theory (81T13)

Cites Work

• Weaving a classical metric with quantum threads
• Extended loops: A new arena for nonperturbative quantum gravity
• The extended loop group: An infinite dimensional manifold associated with the loop space
• Knot polynomial states of quantum gravity in terms of loops and extended loops: Some remarks

Cited In (7)

• On Polyakov's basic variational formula for loop spaces
• Covariance of the extended holonomy
• Generalized holonomies
• Groups of loops and hoops
• Loop gauge theory and group cohomology
• Thin homotopy and the holonomy approach to gauge theories
• Chen integrals, generalized loops and loop calculus

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