arXiv subjects

Thierry Masson

Publications and source records attributed to Thierry Masson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

How to Untwist Twisted Gauge Fields

This paper provides an isomorphism between the space of twisted gauge fields on a principal bundle $\mathcal{P}$ and the space of standard gauge fields on a different principal bundle $\mathcal{Q}$ associated to $\mathcal{P}$. This isomorphism extends to local fields on the base manifold, which enables the use of local twisted fields in standard gauge theories (e.g. Yang-Mills-like theories). This allows one to deal with two symmetry groups, coming from $\mathcal{P}$ and $\mathcal{Q}$, respectively. The construction makes use of a larger principal bundle $\mathcal{S}$ which has $\mathcal{P}$ and $\mathcal{Q}$ as quotient bundles. The gauge structure on $\mathcal{S}$ encodes both standard and twisted gauge structures on $\mathcal{P}$. In addition, the isomorphism classes of bundles $\mathcal{S}$ are in 1:1 correspondence with the equivalence classes of cocycles (up to a coboundary). This paper also provides a new interpretation of (full) dressing fields as dynamic (or active) sections of a principal bundle.

math-ph↗

arXiv2024

"My Earth" Astrophysics and Planets -- a serious game to build low carbon scenarios in the astronomy academic community

This report summarizes what has happened in the mini-workshops entitled ''My Earth in 180 minutes'' organized during the lunch break at the SF2A 2024 conference in Marseille. The project showcased an innovative serious game designed to raise awareness of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in astronomical research laboratories. Participants, organized into teams, simulate strategies to reduce their carbon footprints by 50\%, focusing on key astronomical activities such as space instrumentation, data analysis, and laboratory work. The sessions highlight the challenges of achieving significant emissions reductions without disrupting core research activities, such as telescope observations. While the serious game facilitates important discussions on sustainable practices, the results point to the need for broader engagement, adaptation to different cultural contexts, and institutional support. The project highlights the importance of integrating climate action into the academic environment and suggests potential future directions for expanding its impact.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2024

Gauge Fixing in QFT and the Dressing Field Method

In this paper, we revisit the Dressing Field Method (DFM) in the context of Quantum (Gauge) Field Theories (QFT). In order to adapt this method to the functional path integral formalism of QFT, we depart from the usual differential geometry approach used so far to study the DFM which also allows to tackle the infinite dimension of the field spaces. Our main result is that gauge fixing is an instance of the application of the DFM. The Faddeev-Popov gauge fixing procedure and the so-called unitary gauge are revisited in light of this result.

math-ph↗

arXiv2023

Lifting Bratteli Diagrams between Krajewski Diagrams: Spectral Triples, Spectral Actions, and $AF$ algebras

In this paper, we present a framework to construct sequences of spectral triples on top of an inductive sequence defining an $AF$-algebra. One aim of this paper is to lift arrows of a Bratteli diagram to arrows between Krajewski diagrams. The spectral actions defining Non-commutative Gauge Field Theories associated to two spectral triples related by these arrows are compared (tensored by a commutative spectral triple to put us in the context of Almost Commutative manifolds). This paper is a follow up of a previous one in which this program was defined and physically illustrated in the framework of the derivation-based differential calculus, but the present paper focuses more on the mathematical structure without trying to study the physical implications.

math-ph↗

arXiv2021

Derivation-based Noncommutative Field Theories on $AF$ algebras

In this paper, we start the investigation of a new natural approach to "unifying" noncommutative gauge field theories (NCGFT) based on approximately finite-dimensional ($AF$) $C^*$-algebras. The defining inductive sequence of an $AF$ $C^*$-algebra is lifted to enable the construction of a sequence of NCGFT of Yang-Mills-Higgs types. The present paper focus on derivation-based noncommutative field theories. A mathematical study of the ingredients involved in the construction of a NCGFT is given in the framework of $AF$ $C^*$-algebras: derivation-based differential calculus, modules, connections, metrics and Hodge $\star$-operators, Lagrangians... Some physical applications concerning mass spectra generated by Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking Mechanisms (SSBM) are proposed using numerical computations for specific situations.

math-ph↗

arXiv2019

Cartan Connections and Atiyah Lie Algebroids

This work extends previous developments carried out by some of the authors on Ehresmann connections on Atiyah Lie algebroids. In this paper, we study Cartan connections in a framework relying on two Atiyah Lie algebroids based on a $H$-principal fiber bundle $\mathcal{P}$ and its associated $G$-principal fiber bundle $\mathcal{Q} := \mathcal{P} \times_H G$, where $H \subset G$ defines the model for a Cartan geometry. The first main result of this study is a commutative and exact diagram relating these two Atiyah Lie algebroids, which allows to completely characterize Cartan connections on $\mathcal{P}$. Furthermore, in the context of gravity and mixed anomalies, our construction answers a long standing mathematical question about the correct geometrico-algebraic setting in which to combine inner gauge transformations and infinitesimal diffeomorphisms.

math-ph↗

arXiv2019

Heat coefficient $a_4$ for nonminimal Laplace type operators

Given a smooth hermitean vector bundle $V$ of fiber $\mathbb{C}^N$ over a compact Riemannian manifold and $\nabla$ a covariant derivative on $V$, let $P = -(\lvert g \rvert^{-1/2} \nabla_μ\lvert g \rvert^{1/2} g^{μν} u \nabla_ν+ p^μ\nabla_μ+q)$ be a nonminimal Laplace type operator acting on smooth sections of $V$ where $u,\,p^ν,\,q$ are $M_N(\mathbb{C})$-valued functions with $u$ positive and invertible. For any $a \in Γ(\text{End}(V))$, we consider the asymptotics $\text{Tr} \,a \,e^{-tP} \sim_{t \downarrow 0} \,\sum_{r=0}^\infty a_r(a, P)\,t^{(r-d)/2}$ where the coefficients $a_r(a, P)$ can be written as an integral of the functions $a_r(a, P)(x) = \text{tr}\,[a(x) \,\mathcal{R}_r(x)]$. This paper revisits the previous computation of $\mathcal{R}_2$ by the authors and is mainly devoted to a computation of $\mathcal{R}_4$. The results are presented with $u$-dependent operators which are universal (\textsl{i.e.} $P$-independent) and which act on tensor products of $u$, $p^μ$, $q$ and their derivatives via (also universal) spectral functions which are fully described.

math.DG↗

arXiv2017

Heat asymptotics for nonminimal Laplace type operators and application to noncommutative tori

Let $P$ be a Laplace type operator acting on a smooth hermitean vector bundle $V$ of fiber $\mathbb{C}^N$ over a compact Riemannian manifold given locally by $P= - [g^{μν} u(x)\partial_μ\partial_ν+ v^ν(x)\partial_ν+ w(x)]$ where $u,\,v^ν,\,w$ are $M_N(\mathbb{C})$-valued functions with $u(x)$ positive and invertible. For any $a \in Γ(\text{End}(V))$, we consider the asymptotics $\text{Tr} (a e^{-tP}) \underset{t \downarrow 0^+}{\sim} \,\sum_{r=0}^\infty a_r(a, P)\,t^{(r-d)/2}$ where the coefficients $a_r(a, P)$ can be written locally as $a_r(a, P)(x) = \text{tr}[a(x) \mathcal{R}_r(x)]$. The computation of $\mathcal{R}_2$ is performed opening the opportunity to calculate the modular scalar curvature for noncommutative tori.

math.DG↗

arXiv2016

BRST structure for the mixed Weyl-diffeomorphism residual symmetry

In this paper, we show the compatibility of the so-called "dressing field method", which allows a systematic reduction of gauge symmetries, with the inclusion of diffeomorphisms in the BRST algebra of a gauge theory. The robustness of the scheme is illustrated on two examples where Cartan connections play a significant role. The former is General Relativity, while the latter concerns the second-order conformal structure where one ends up with a BRST algebra handling both the Weyl residual symmetry and diffeomorphisms of spacetime. We thereby provide a geometric counterpart to the BRST cohomological treatment used in~\cite{Boulanger1} in the construction of a Weyl covariant tensor calculus.

math-ph↗

arXiv2016

Heat trace for Laplacian type operators with non-scalar symbols

For an elliptic selfadjoint operator $P =-[u^{μν}\partial_μ\partial_ν+v^ν\partial_ν+w]$ acting on a fiber bundle over a Riemannian manifold, where $u,v^μ,w$ are $N\times N$-matrices, we develop a method to compute the heat-trace coefficients $a_r$ which allows to get them by a pure computational machinery. It is exemplified in dimension 4 by the value of $a_1$ written both in terms of $u,v^μ,w$ or diffeomorphic and gauge invariants. We also answer to the question: when is it possible to get explicit formulae for $a_r$?

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Crossed product extensions of spectral triples

Given a spectral triple $(A,H,D)$ and a $C^*$-dynamical system $(\mathbf{A}, G, α)$ where $A$ is dense in $\mathbf{A}$ and $G$ is a locally compact group, we extend the triple to a triplet $(\mathcal{B},\mathcal{H},\mathcal{D})$ on the crossed product $G \ltimes_{α, \text{red}} \mathbf{A}$ which can be promoted to a modular-type twisted spectral triple within a general procedure exemplified by two cases: the $C^*$-algebra of the affine group and the conformal group acting on a complete Riemannian spin manifold.

math.OA↗

arXiv2015

Residual Weyl symmetry out of conformal geometry and its BRS structure

The conformal structure of second order in $m$-dimensions together with the so-called (normal) conformal Cartan connection, is considered as a framework for gauge theories. The dressing field scheme presented in a previous work amounts to a decoupling of both the inversion and the Lorentz symmetries such that the residual gauge symmetry is the Weyl symmetry. On the one hand, it provides straightforwardly the Riemannian parametrization of the normal conformal Cartan connection and its curvature. On the other hand, it also provides the finite transformation laws under the Weyl rescaling of the various geometric objects involved. Subsequently, the dressing field method is shown to fit the BRS differential algebra treatment of infinitesimal gauge symmetry. The dressed ghost field encoding the residual Weyl symmetry is presented. The related so-called algebraic connection supplies relevant combinations found in the literature in the algebraic study of the Weyl anomaly.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Nucleon spin decomposition and differential geometry

In the last few years, the so-called Chen et al. approach of the nucleon spin decomposition has been widely discussed and elaborated on. In this letter we propose a genuine differential geometric understanding of this approach. We mainly highligth its relation to the "dressing field method" we advocated in [C. Fournel, J. François, S. Lazzarini, T. Masson, Int. J. Geom. Methods Mod. Phys. 11, 1450016 (2014)]. We are led to the conclusion that the claimed gauge-invariance of the Chen et al. decomposition is actually unreal.

hep-th↗

arXiv2013

Gauge invariant composite fields out of connections, with examples

In this paper we put forward a systematic and unifying approach to construct gauge invariant composite fields out of connections. It relies on the existence in the theory of a group valued field with a prescribed gauge transformation. As an illustration, we detail some examples. Two of them are based on known results: the first one provides a reinterpretation of the symmetry breaking mechanism of the electroweak part of the Standard Model of particle physics; the second one is an application to Einstein's theory of gravity described as a gauge theory in terms of Cartan connections. The last example depicts a new situation: starting with a gauge field theory on Atiyah Lie algebroids, the gauge invariant composite fields describe massive vector fields. Some mathematical and physical discussions illustrate and highlight the relevance and the generality of this approach.

math-ph↗

arXiv2012

Formulation of gauge theories on transitive Lie algebroids

In this paper we introduce and study some mathematical structures on top of transitive Lie algebroids in order to formulate gauge theories in terms of generalized connections and their curvature: metrics, Hodge star operator and integration along the algebraic part of the transitive Lie algebroid (its kernel). Explicit action functionals are given in terms of global objects and in terms of their local description as well. We investigate applications of these constructions to Atiyah Lie algebroids and to derivations on a vector bundle. The obtained gauge theories are discussed with respect to ordinary and to similar non-commutative gauge theories.

math-ph↗

arXiv2012

Gauge theories in noncommutative geometry

In this review we present some of the fundamental mathematical structures which permit to define noncommutative gauge field theories. In particular, we emphasize the theory of noncommutative connections, with the notions of curvatures and gauge transformations. Two different approaches to noncommutative geometry are covered: the one based on derivations and the one based on spectral triples. Examples of noncommutative gauge field theories are given to illustrate the constructions and to display some of the common features.

math-ph↗

arXiv2011

Connections on Lie algebroids and on derivation-based noncommutative geometry

In this paper we show how connections and their generalizations on transitive Lie algebroids are related to the notion of connections in the framework of the derivation-based noncommutative geometry. In order to compare the two constructions, we emphasize the algebraic approach of connections on Lie algebroids, using a suitable differential calculus. Two examples allow this comparison: on the one hand, the Atiyah Lie algebroid of a principal fiber bundle and, on the other hand, the space of derivations of the algebra of endomorphisms of a $SL(n, \mathbb{C})$-vector bundle. Gauge transformations are also considered in this comparison.

math.DG↗

arXiv2011

Local description of generalized forms on transitive Lie algebroids and applications

In this paper we study the local description of spaces of forms on transitive Lie algebroids. We use this local description to introduce global structures like metrics, $\ast$-Hodge operation and integration along the algebraic part of the transitive Lie algebroid (its kernel). We construct a Čech-de Rham bicomplex with a Leray-Serre spectral sequence. We apply the general theory to Atiyah Lie algebroids and to derivations on a vector bundle.

math.DG↗