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V. Aldaya

Publications and source records attributed to V. Aldaya.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

An effective quantum mechanism for mass generation in diffeomorphism-invariant theories

We propose a scenario for particle-mass generation, assuming the existence of a physical regime where, firstly, physical particles can be considered as point-like objects moving in a background space-time and, secondly, their mere presence spoils the invariance under the local diffeomorphism group, resulting in an anomalous realization of the latter. Under these hypotheses, we describe mass generation starting from the massless free theory. The mechanism is not sensitive to the detailed description of the underlying theory at higher energies, leaning only on general structural features of it, specifically diffeomorphism invariance.

hep-th↗

Modular Invariance on the Torus and Abelian Chern-Simons Theory

The implementation of modular invariance on the torus as a phase space at the quantum level is discussed in a group-theoretical framework. Unlike the classical case, at the quantum level some restrictions on the parameters of the theory should be imposed to ensure modular invariance. Two cases must be considered, depending on the cohomology class of the symplectic form on the torus. If it is of integer cohomology class $n$, then full modular invariance is achieved at the quantum level only for those wave functions on the torus which are periodic if $n$ is even, or antiperiodic if $n$ is odd. If the symplectic form is of rational cohomology class $\frac{n}{r}$, a similar result holds --the wave functions must be either periodic or antiperiodic on a torus $r$ times larger in both direccions, depending on the parity of $nr$. Application of these results to the Abelian Chern-Simons is discussed.

hep-th↗

A first analysis regarding matter-dynamical diffeomorphism coupling

A first attempt at adding matter degrees of freedom to the two-dimensional ``vacuum'' gravity model presented in gr-qc/9907071 is analyzed in this paper. Just as in the previous pure gravity case, quantum diffeomorphism operators (constructed from a Virasoro algebra) possess a dynamical content; their gauge nature is recovered only after the classical limit. Emphasis is placed on the new physical modes modelled on a SU(1,1)-Kac-Moody algebra. The non-trivial coupling to ``gravity'' is a consequence of the natural semi-direct structure of the entire extended algebra. A representation associated with the discrete series of the rigid SU(1,1) is revisited in the light of previously neglected crucial global features which imply the appearance of an SU(1,1)-Kac-Moody fusion rule, determining the rather entangled quantum structure of the physical system. In the classical limit, an action which explicitly couples gravity and matter modes governs the dynamics.

gr-qc↗

Dynamical content of quantum diffeomorphisms in two-dimensional quantum gravity

A model for 2D-quantum gravity from the Virasoro symmetry is studied. The notion of space-time naturally arises as a homogeneous space associated with the kinematical (non-dynamical) SL(2,R) symmetry in the kernel of the Lie-algebra central extension for the critical values of the conformal anomaly. The rest of the generators in the group, L_n (n>1, n<-1), mix space-times with different constant curvature. Only in the classical limit all space-times can be identified, defining a unique Minkowski space-time, and the operators L_n (n<1, n<-1) gauged away. This process entails a restriction to SL(2,R) subrepresentations, which creates a non-trivial two-dimensional symplectic classical phase space. The present model thus suggests that the role of general covariance in quantum gravity is different from that played in the classical limit.

gr-qc↗

Invariant Measures on Polarized Submanifolds in Group Quantization

We provide an explicit construction of quasi-invariant measures on polarized coadjoint orbits of a Lie group G. The use of specific (trivial) central extensions of G by the multiplicative group ${R}^+$ allows us to restore the strict invariance of the measures and, accordingly, the unitarity of the quantization of coadjoint orbits. As an example, the representations of $SL(2,\Real)$ are recovered.

math-ph↗

Algebraic characterization of constraints and generation of mass in gauge theories

The possibility of non-trivial representations of the gauge group on wavefunctionals of a gauge invariant quantum field theory leads to a generation of mass for intermediate vector and tensor bosons. The mass parameters "m" show up as central charges in the algebra of constraints, which then become of second-class nature. The gauge group coordinates acquire dynamics outside the null-mass shell and provide the longitudinal field degrees of freedom that massless bosons need to form massive bosons.

hep-th↗

Quantum Field Theory in a Symmetric Curved Space from a Second Quantization on a Group

In this article we propose a `second quantization' scheme especially suitable to deal with non-trivial, highly symmetric phase spaces, implemented within a more general Group Approach to Quantization, which recovers the standard Quantum Field Theory (QFT) for ordinary relativistic linear fields. We emphasize, among its main virtues, greater suitability in characterizing vacuum states in a QFT on a highly symmetric curved space-time and the absence of the usual requirement of global hyperbolicity. This can be achieved in the special case of the Anti-de Sitter universe, on which we explicitly construct a QFT.

hep-th↗

Space-time Structures from Critical Values in 2D Quantum Gravity

A model for 2D Quantum Gravity is constructed out of the Virasoro group. To this end the quantization of the abstract Virasoro group is revisited. For the critical values of the conformal anomaly c, some quantum operators (SL(2,R) generators) lose their dynamical content (they are no longer conjugated operators). The notion of space-time itself in 2D gravity then arises as associated with this kinematical SL(2,R) symmetry. An ensemble of different copies of AdS do co-exist in this model with different weights, depending on their curvature (which is proportional to \hbar^{2}) and they are connected by gravity operators. This model suggests that, in general, quantum diffemorphisms should not be imposed as constraints to the theory, except for the classical limit.

gr-qc↗

Gauge Transformation Properties of Vector and Tensor Potentials Revisited: a Group Quantization Approach

The possibility of non-trivial representations of the gauge group on wavefunctionals of a gauge invariant quantum field theory leads to a generation of mass for intermediate vector and tensor bosons. The mass parameters m show up as central charges in the algebra of constraints, which then become of second-class nature. The gauge group coordinates acquire dynamics outside the null-mass shell and provide the longitudinal field degrees of freedom that massless bosons need to form massive bosons. This is a `non-Higgs' mechanism that could provide new clues for the best understanding of the symmetry breaking mechanism in unified field theories. A unified quantization of massless and massive non-Abelian Yang-Mills, linear Gravity and Abelian two-form gauge field theories are fully developed from this new approach, where a cohomological origin of mass is pointed out.

hep-th↗

Central extensions and quantum physics

The unitary implementation of a symmetry group $G$ of a classical system in the corresponding quantum theory entails unavoidable deformations $\TG$ of $G$, namely, central extensions by the typical phase invariance group U(1). The appearance of central charges in the corresponding Lie-algebra quantum commutators, as a consequence of non-trivial responses of the phase of the wave function under symmetry transformations, lead to a quantum generation of extra degrees of freedom with regard to the classical counterpart. In particular, symmetries of the Hall effect, Yang-Mills and conformally invariant classical field theories are affected when passing to the quantum realm.

hep-th↗

Group Approach to Quantization of Yang-Mills Theories: A Cohomological Origin of Mass

New clues for the best understanding of the nature of the symmetry-breaking mechanism are revealed in this paper. A revision of the standard gauge transformation properties of Yang-Mills fields, according to a group approach to quantization scheme, enables the gauge group coordinates to acquire dynamical content outside the null mass shell. The corresponding extra (internal) field degrees of freedom are transferred to the vector potentials to conform massive vector bosons.

hep-th↗

Higher-Order Quantization on a Lie Group

In this paper we are mainly concerned with the study of polarizations (in general of higher-order type) on a connected Lie group with a U(1)-principal bundle structure. The representation technique used here is formulated on the basis of a group quantization formalism previously introduced which generalizes the Kostant-Kirillov co-adjoint orbits method for connected Lie groups and the Borel-Weyl-Bott representation algorithm for semisimple groups. We illustrate the fundamentals of the group approach with the help of some examples like the abelian group $R^k$ and the semisimple group SU(2), and the use of higher-order polarizations with the harmonic oscillator group and the Schrödinger group, the last one constituting the simplest example of an anomalous group. Also, examples of infinite-dimensional anomalous groups are briefly considered.

math-ph↗

Higher-Order Differential Operators on a Lie Group and Quantization

This talk is devoted mainly to the concept of higher-order polarization on a group, which is introduced in the framework of a Group Approach to Quantization, as a powerful tool to guarantee the irreducibility of quantizations and/or representations of Lie groups in those anomalous cases where the Kostant-Kirilov co-adjoint method or the Borel-Weyl-Bott representation algorithm do not succeed.

hep-th↗

Vacuum Radiation in Conformally Invariant Quantum Field Theory

Although the whole conformal group $SO(4,2)$ can be considered as a symmetry in a classical massless field theory, the subgroup of special conformal transformations (SCT), usually related to transitions to uniformly accelerated frames, causes vacuum radiation in the corresponding quantum field theory, in analogy to the Fulling-Unruh effect. The spectrum of the outgoing particles can be calculated exactly and proves to be a generalization of the Planckian one.

hep-th↗

Vacuum Radiation and Symmetry Breaking in Conformally Invariant Quantum Field Theory

The underlying reasons for the difficulty of unitarily implementing the whole conformal group $SO(4,2)$ in a massless Quantum Field Theory (QFT) are investigated in this paper. Firstly, we demonstrate that the singular action of the subgroup of special conformal transformations (SCT), on the standard Minkowski space $M$, cannot be primarily associated with the vacuum radiation problems, the reason being more profound and related to the dynamical breakdown of part of the conformal symmetry (the SCT subgroup, to be more precise) when representations of null mass are selected inside the representations of the whole conformal group. Then we show how the vacuum of the massless QFT radiates under the action of SCT (usually interpreted as transitions to a uniformly accelerated frame) and we calculate exactly the spectrum of the outgoing particles, which proves to be a generalization of the Planckian one, this recovered as a given limit.

hep-th↗

A Perturbative Approach to the Relativistic Harmonic Oscillator

A quantum realization of the Relativistic Harmonic Oscillator is realized in terms of the spatial variable $x$ and ${\d\over \d x}$ (the minimal canonical representation). The eigenstates of the Hamiltonian operator are found (at lower order) by using a perturbation expansion in the constant $c^{-1}$. Unlike the Foldy-Wouthuysen transformed version of the relativistic hydrogen atom, conventional perturbation theory cannot be applied and a perturbation of the scalar product itself is required.

math-ph↗

Quantization on a Lie group: Higher-order Polarizations

Contents * Introduction -- Why $S^1$-extended phase space? -- Why central extensions of classical symmetries? * Central extension \Gt of a group $G$ -- Group cohomology -- Cohomology and contractions: Pseudo-cohomology -- Principal bundle with connection $(\Gtm,Θ)$ * Group Approach to Quantization -- $U(1)$-quantization -- Non-horizontal polarizations * Simple examples -- The abelian group $R^{k}$ -- The semisimple group $SU(2)$ * Algebraic anomalies -- Higher-order polarizations -- The Schrödinger group and Quantum Optics -- The Virasoro group and String Theory

math-ph↗

Generalized Conformal Symmetry and Extended Objects from the Free Particle

The algebra of linear and quadratic functions of basic observables on the phase space of either the free particle or the harmonic oscillator possesses a finite-dimensional anomaly. The quantization of these systems outside the critical values of the anomaly leads to a new degree of freedom which shares its internal character with spin, but nevertheless features an infinite number of different states. Both are associated with the transformation properties of wave functions under the Weyl-symplectic group $WSp(6,\Re)$. The physical meaning of this new degree of freedom can be established, with a major scope, only by analysing the quantization of an infinite-dimensional algebra of diffeomorphisms generalizing string symmetry and leading to more general extended objects.

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