arXiv subjects

R. P. Malik

Publications and source records attributed to R. P. Malik.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Supersymmetric Oscillator: Novel Symmetries

We discuss various continuous and discrete symmetries of the supersymmetric simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) in one (0 + 1)-dimension of spacetime and show their relevance in the context of mathematics of differential geometry. We show the existence of a novel set of discrete symmetries in the theory which has, hitherto, not been discussed in the literature on theoretical aspects of SHO. We also point out the physical relevance of our present investigation.

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arXiv2011

Symmetry invariance, anticommutativity and nilpotency in BRST approach to QED: superfield formalism

We provide the geometrical interpretation for the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry invariance of the Lagrangian density of a four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) interacting U(1) gauge theory within the framework of superfield approach to BRST formalism. This interacting theory, where there is an explicit coupling between the U(1) gauge field and matter (Dirac) fields, is considered on a (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold parametrized by the four spacetime variables x^μ(μ= 0, 1, 2, 3) and a pair of Grassmannian variables θand \barθ(with θ^2 = \bar θ^2 = 0, θ\barθ+ \bar θθ= 0$). We express the Lagrangian density and (anti-)BRST charges in the language of the superfields and show that (i) the (anti-)BRST invariance of the 4D Lagrangian density is equivalent to the translation of the super Lagrangian density along the Grassmannian direction(s) (θand/or \barθ) of the (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold such that the outcome of the above translation(s) is zero, and (ii) the anticommutativity and nilpotency of the (anti-)BRST charges are the automatic consequences of our superfield formulation.

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arXiv2011

Comments on the dual-BRST symmetry

In view of a raging controversy on the topic of dual-Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (dual-BRST/co-BRST) and anti-co-BRST symmetry transformations in the context of four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) Abelian 2-form and 2D (non-)Abelian 1-form gauge theories, we attempt, in our present short note, to settle the dust by taking the help of mathematics of differential geometry, connected with the Hodge theory, which was the original motivation for the nomenclature of "dual-BRST symmetry" in our earlier set of works. It has been claimed, in a recent set of papers, that the co-BRST symmetries are not independent of the BRST symmetries. We show that the BRST and co-BRST symmetries are independent symmetries in the same fashion as the exterior and co-exterior derivatives are independent entities belonging to the set of de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry.

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arXiv2011

Topologically massive non-Abelian theory: superfield formalism

We apply the well-established techniques of geometrical superfield approach to Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) formalism in the context of four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) dynamical non-Abelian 2-form gauge theory by exploiting its inherent "scalar" and "vector" gauge symmetry transformations and derive the corresponding off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting BRST and anti-BRST symmetry transformations. Our approach leads to the derivation of three (anti-) BRST invariant Curci-Ferrari (CF)-type restrictions that are found to be responsible for the absolute anticommutativity of the BRST and anti-BRST symmetry transformations. We derive the coupled Lagrangian densities that respect the (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations corresponding to the "vector" gauge transformations. We also capture the (anti-) BRST invariance of the CF-type restrictions and coupled Lagrangian densities within the framework of our superfield approach. We obtain, furthermore, the off-shell nilpotent (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations when the (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations corresponding to the "scalar" and "vector" gauge symmetries are merged together. These off-shell nilpotent "merged" (anti-) BRST symmetries are, however, found to be not absolutely anticommuting in nature.

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arXiv2011

BRST analysis of topologically massive gauge theory: novel observations

A dynamical non-Abelian 2-form gauge theory (with B \wedge F term) is endowed with the "scalar" and "vector" gauge symmetry transformations. In our present endeavor, we exploit the latter gauge symmetry transformations and perform the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) analysis of the four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) topologically massive non-Abelian 2-form gauge theory. We demonstrate the existence of some novel features that have, hitherto, not been observed in the context of BRST approach to 4D (non-)Abelian 1-form as well as Abelian 2-form and 3-form gauge theories. We comment on the differences between the novel features that emerge in the BRST analysis of the "scalar" and "vector" gauge symmetries of the theory.

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arXiv2011

Notoph Gauge Theory: Superfield Formalism

We derive absolutely anticommuting Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for the 4D free Abelian 2-form gauge theory by exploiting the superfield approach to BRST formalism. The antisymmetric tensor gauge field of the above theory was christened as the "notoph" (i.e. the opposite of "photon") gauge field by Ogievetsky and Palubarinov way back in 1966-67. We briefly outline the problems involved in obtaining the absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-) BRST transformations and their resolution within the framework of geometrical superfield approach to BRST formalism. One of the highlights of our results is the emergence of a Curci-Ferrari type of restriction in the context of 4D Abelian 2-form (notoph) gauge theory which renders the nilpotent (anti-) BRST symmetries of the theory to be absolutely anticommutative in nature.

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arXiv2011

New observations in the BRST analysis of dynamical non-Abelian 2-form gauge theory

We generalize the usual gauge transformations connected with the 1-form gauge potential to the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for the four (3+1)-dimensional (4D) topologically massive non-Abelian gauge theory that incorporates the famous (B\wedge F) term where there is an explicit topological coupling between 1-form and 2-form gauge fields. A novel feature of our present investigation is the observation that the (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations for the auxiliary 1-form field (K_μ) and 2-form gauge potential (B_{0i}) are not generated by the (anti-)BRST charges that are derived by exploiting all the relevant (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations corresponding to all the fields of the present theory. This observation is a new result because it is drastically different from the application of the BRST formalism to (non-)Abelian 1-form and Abelian 2-form as well as 3-form gauge theories.

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arXiv2010

Absolutely anticommuting (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations for topologically massive Abelian gauge theory

We demonstrate the existence of the nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for the four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) topologically massive Abelian U(1) gauge theory that is described by the coupled Lagrangian densities (which incorporate the celebrated (B \wedge F) term). The absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations is ensured by the existence of a Curci-Ferrari type restriction that emerges from the superfield formalism as well as from the equations of motion that are derived from the above coupled Lagrangian densities. We show the invariance of the action from the point of view of the symmetry considerations as well as superfield formulation. We discuss, furthermore, the topological term within the framework of superfield formalism and provide the geometrical meaning of its invariance under the (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations.

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arXiv2010

Nilpotent (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations for dynamical non-Abelian 2-form gauge theory: superfield formalism

We derive the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for the dynamical non-Abelian 2-form gauge theory within the framework of geometrical superfield formalism. We obtain the (anti-) BRST invariant coupled Lagrangian densities that respect the above nilpotent symmetry transformations. We discuss, furthermore, this (anti-) BRST invariance in the language of the superfield formalism. One of the novel features of our investigation is the observation that, in addition to the horizontality condition, we have to invoke some other physically relevant restrictions to deduce the exact (anti-) BRST symmetry transformations for all the fields of the topologically massive non-Abelian gauge theory.

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arXiv2010

A note on the (anti-)BRST invariant Lagrangian densities for the free abelian 2-form gauge theory

We show that the previously known off-shell nilpotent (s_{(a)b}^2 = 0) and absolutely anticommuting (s_b s_{ab} + s_{ab} s_b = 0) Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) transformations (s_b) and anti-BRST transformations (s_{ab}) are the symmetry transformations of the appropriate Lagrangian densities of a four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) free Abelian 2-form gauge theory which do not explicitly incorporate a very specific constrained field condition through a Lagrange multiplier 4D vector field. The above condition, which is the analogue of the Curci-Ferrari restriction of the non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory, emerges from the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion of our present theory and ensures the absolute anticommutativity of the transformations s_{(a)b}. Thus, the coupled Lagrangian densities, proposed in our present investigation, are aesthetically more appealing and more economical.

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arXiv2010

BRST, anti-BRST and their geometry

We continue the comparison between the field theoretical and geometrical approaches to the gauge field theories of various types, by deriving their Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST trasformation properties and comparing them with the geometrical properties of the bundles and gerbes. In particular, we provide the geometrical interpretation of the so--called Curci-Ferrari conditions that are invoked for the absolute anticommutativity of the BRST and anti-BRST symmetry transformations in the context of non-Abelian 1-form gauge theories as well as Abelian gauge theory that incorporates a 2-form gauge field. We also carry out the explicit construction of the 3-form gauge fields and compare it with the geometry of 2--gerbes.

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arXiv2010

Rigid Rotor as a Toy Model for Hodge Theory

We apply the superfield approach to the toy model of a rigid rotor and show the existence of the nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations, under which, the kinetic term and action remain invariant. Furthermore, we also derive the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting (anti-) co-BRST symmetry transformations, under which, the gauge-fixing term and Lagrangian remain invariant. The anticommutator of the above nilpotent symmetry transformations leads to the derivation of a bosonic symmetry transformation, under which, the ghost terms and action remain invariant. Together, the above transformations (and their corresponding generators) respect an algebra that turns out to be a physical realization of the algebra obeyed by the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry. Thus, our present model is a toy model for the Hodge theory.

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arXiv2009

On free 4D Abelian 2-form and anomalous 2D Abelian 1-form gauge theories

We demonstrate a few striking similarities and some glaring differences between (i) the free four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) Abelian 2-form gauge theory, and (ii) the anomalous two (1 + 1)-dimensional (2D) Abelian 1-form gauge theory, within the framework of Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) formalism. We demonstrate that the Lagrangian densities of the above two theories transform in a similar fashion under a set of symmetry transformations even though they are endowed with a drastically different variety of constraint structures. Taking the help of our understanding of the 4D Abelian 2-form gauge theory, we prove that the gauge invariant version of the anomalous 2D Abelian 1-form gauge theory is a new field-theoretic model for the Hodge theory where all the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry find their physical realizations in the language of proper symmetry transformations. The corresponding conserved charges obey an algebra that is reminiscent of the algebra of the cohomological operators. We briefly comment on the consistency of the 2D anomalous 1-form gauge theory in the language of restrictions on the harmonic state of the (anti-) BRST and (anti-) co-BRST invariant version of the above 2D theory.

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arXiv2009

Absolute anticommutativity of the nilpotent symmetries in the Hamiltonian formalism: free Abelian 2-form gauge theory

The celebrated Curci-Ferrari (CF) type of restrictions are invoked to obtain the off-shell nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting (anti-) BRST as well as (anti-) co-BRST symmetry transformations in the context of the Lagrangian description of the physical four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) free Abelian 2-form gauge theory. We show that the above CF type conditions, which turn out to be the secondary constraints of the theory, remain invariant with respect to the time-evolution of the above 2-form gauge system in the Hamiltonian formulation. This time-evolution invariance (i) physically ensures the linear independence of the BRST versus anti-BRST as well as co-BRST versus anti-co-BRST symmetry transformations, and (ii) provides a logical reason behind the imposition of the above CF type restrictions in the proof of the absolute anticommutativity of the off-shell nilpotent (anti-) BRST as well as (anti-) co-BRST symmetry transformations.

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arXiv2009

Abelian 2-form gauge theory: superfield formalism

We derive the off-shell nilpotent Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry transformations for {\it all} the fields of a free Abelian 2-form gauge theory by exploiting the geometrical superfield approach to BRST formalism. The above four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) theory is considered on a (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold parameterized by the four even spacetime variables x^μ(with μ= 0, 1, 2, 3) and a pair of odd Grassmannian variables θand \barθ(with θ^2 = \barθ^2 = 0, θ\barθ+ \barθθ= 0). One of the salient features of our present investigation is that the above nilpotent (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations turn out to be absolutely anticommuting due to the presence of a Curci-Ferrari (CF) type of restriction. The latter condition emerges due to the application of our present superfield formalism. The actual CF condition, as is well-known, is the hallmark of a 4D non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory. We demonstrate that our present 4D Abelian 2-form gauge theory imbibes some of the key signatures of the 4D non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory. We briefly comment on the generalization of our supperfield approach to the case of Abelian 3-form gauge theory in four (3 + 1)-dimensions of spacetime.

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arXiv2009

Nilpotent symmetry invariance in the non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory: superfield formalism

We demonstrate that the nilpotent Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetry invariance of the Lagrangian density of a four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) non-Abelian 1-form gauge theory with Dirac fields can be captured within the framework of the superfield approach to BRST formalism. The above 4D theory, where there is an explicit coupling between the non-Abelian 1-form gauge field and the Dirac fields, is considered on a (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold, parameterized by the bosonic 4D space-time variables and a pair of Grassmannian variables. We show that the Grassmannian independence of the super Lagrangian density, expressed in terms of the (4, 2)-dimensional superfields, is a clear signature of the presence of the (anti-)BRST invariance in the original 4D theory.

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arXiv2009

BRST, anti-BRST and gerbes

We discuss BRST and anti--BRST transformations for an Abelian antisymmetric gauge field in 4D and find that, in order for them to anticommute, we have to impose a condition on the auxiliary fields. This condition is similar to the Curci-Ferrari condition for the 4D non--Abelian 1-form gauge theories and represents a consistency requirement. We interpret it as a signal that our Abelian 2-form gauge field theory is based on gerbes. To support this interpretation we discuss, in particular, the case of the 1-gerbe for our present field theory and write the relevant equations and symmetry transformations for 2-gerbes.

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arXiv2009

Superfield approach to symmetry invariance in QED with complex scalar fields

We show that the Grassmannian independence of the super Lagrangian density, expressed in terms of the superfields defined on a (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold, is a clear-cut proof for the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST invariance of the corresoponding four (3 + 1)-dimensional (4D) Lagrangian density that describes the interaction between the U(1) gauge field and the charged complex scalar fields. The above 4D field theoretical model is considered on a (4, 2)-dimensional supermanifold parametrized by the ordinary four spacetime variables x^μ(with μ= 0, 1, 2, 3) and a pair of Grassmannian variables θand \barθ(with θ^2 = \barθ^2 = 0, θ\barθ+ \barθθ= 0). Geometrically, the (anti-)BRST invariance is encoded in the translation of the super Lagrangian density along the Grassmannian directions of the above supermanifold such that the outcome of this shift operation is zero.

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