Superconnections and the Higgs Field

Within the mathematical framework of Quillen, one interprets the Higgs field as part of the superconnection on a superbundle. We propose to take as superbundle the exterior algebra obtained from a Hermitian bundle with structure group U(n). Spontaneous symmetry breaking appears as a consequence of a non-vanishing scalar curvature. The U(1) Higgs model reformulates the Ginzburg-Landau theory, while the U(2) model relates to the electroweak theory with the relation $g^2=3g4^2$ for the gauge coupling constants, the formula $\sin^2\theta=1/4$ for the Weinberg angle, and the ratio $m_W^2 : m_Z^2 : m_H^2 = 3 : 4 : 12$ for the masses (squared) of the W, Z, and Higgs boson (at tree level).Comment: 21 pages, Latex, references added, minor change of conten

A nonperturbative form of the spectral action principle in noncommutative geometry

Using the formalism of superconnections, we show the existence of a bosonic action functional for the standard K-cycle in noncommutative geometry, giving rise, through the spectral action principle, only to the Einstein gravity and Standard Model Yang-Mills-Higgs terms. It provides an effective nonminimal coupling in the bosonic sector of the Lagrangian.Comment: 12 pages. LaTeX2e, instructions for obsolete LaTeX'

Superconnections: an Interpretation of the Standard Model

The mathematical framework of superbundles suggests that one considers the Higgs field as a natural constituent of a superconnection. I propose to take as superbundle the exterior algebra obtained from a Hermitian vector bundle of rank 5 for the Standard Model.Comment: 10 pages, LaTeX2e, AMS fonts. To appear in Electr.J.Diff. E

Geometrical Interpretation of BRST Symmetry in Topological Yang-Mills-Higgs Theory

We study topological Yang-Mills-Higgs theories in two and three dimensions and topological Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions in a unified framework of superconnections. In this framework, we first show that a classical action of topological Yang-Mills type can provide all three classical actions of these theories via appropriate projections. Then we obtain the BRST and anti-BRST transformation rules encompassing these three topological theories from an extended definition of curvature and a geometrical requirement of Bianchi identity. This is an extension of Perry and Teo's work in the topological Yang-Mills case. Finally, comparing this result with our previous treatment in which we used the ``modified horizontality condition", we provide a meaning of Bianchi identity from the BRST symmetry viewpoint and thus interpret the BRST symmetry in a geometrical setting.Comment: 16 pages, LaTeX fil

Chiral-Yang-Mills theory, non commutative differential geometry, and the need for a Lie super-algebra

In Yang-Mills theory, the charges of the left and right massless Fermions are independent of each other. We propose a new paradigm where we remove this freedom and densify the algebraic structure of Yang-Mills theory by integrating the scalar Higgs field into a new gauge-chiral 1-form which connects Fermions of opposite chiralities. Using the Bianchi identity, we prove that the corresponding covariant differential is associative if and only if we gauge a Lie-Kac super-algebra. In this model, spontaneous symmetry breakdown naturally occurs along an odd generator of the super-algebra and induces a representation of the Connes-Lott non commutative differential geometry of the 2-point finite space.Comment: 17 pages, no figur