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Background gauge invariance in the antifield formalism for theories with open gauge algebras

Kostas Skenderis
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Abstract

We show that any BRST invariant quantum action with open or closed gauge algebra has a corresponding local background gauge invariance. If the BRST symmetry is anomalous, but the anomaly can be removed in the antifield formalism, then the effective action possesses a local background gauge invariance. The presence of antifields (BRST sources) is necessary. As an example we analyze chiral $W_3$ gravity.

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Kostas Skenderis. 1995-11-04. Background gauge invariance in the antifield formalism for theories with open gauge algebras. https://doi.org/10.1088/0264-9381%2F12%2F10%2F008

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