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arXiv · 1107.0290

Asymptotic W-symmetries in three-dimensional higher-spin gauge theories

Andrea Campoleoni·Stefan Fredenhagen·Stefan Pfenninger
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Abstract

We discuss how to systematically compute the asymptotic symmetry algebras of generic three-dimensional bosonic higher-spin gauge theories in backgrounds that are asymptotically AdS. We apply these techniques to a one-parameter family of higher-spin gauge theories that can be considered as large N limits of SL(N) x SL(N) Chern-Simons theories, and we provide a closed formula for the structure constants of the resulting infinite-dimensional non-linear W-algebras. Along the way we provide a closed formula for the structure constants of all classical W_N algebras. In both examples the higher-spin generators of the W-algebras are Virasoro primaries. We eventually discuss how to relate our basis to a non-primary quadratic basis that was previously discussed in literature.

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Andrea Campoleoni, Stefan Fredenhagen, Stefan Pfenninger. 2011-07-01. Asymptotic W-symmetries in three-dimensional higher-spin gauge theories. https://doi.org/10.1007/jhep09(2011)113

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