Exotic tensor gauge theory and duality

Gauge fields in exotic representations of the Lorentz group in D dimensions - i.e. ones which are tensors of mixed symmetry corresponding to Young tableaux with arbitrary numbers of rows and columns - naturally arise through massive string modes and in dualising gravity and other theories in higher dimensions. We generalise the formalism of differential forms to allow the discussion of arbitrary gauge fields. We present the gauge symmetries, field strengths, field equations and actions for the free theory, and construct the various dual theories. In particular, we discuss linearised gravity in arbitrary dimensions, and its two dual forms.Comment: 28 pages, LaTeX, references added, minor change

Uniqueness of canonical tensor model with local time

Canonical formalism of the rank-three tensor model has recently been proposed, in which "local" time is consistently incorporated by a set of first class constraints. By brute-force analysis, this paper shows that there exist only two forms of a Hamiltonian constraint which satisfies the following assumptions: (i) A Hamiltonian constraint has one index. (ii) The kinematical symmetry is given by an orthogonal group. (iii) A consistent first class constraint algebra is formed by a Hamiltonian constraint and the generators of the kinematical symmetry. (iv) A Hamiltonian constraint is invariant under time reversal transformation. (v) A Hamiltonian constraint is an at most cubic polynomial function of canonical variables. (vi) There are no disconnected terms in a constraint algebra. The two forms are the same except for a slight difference in index contractions. The Hamiltonian constraint which was obtained in the previous paper and behaved oddly under time reversal symmetry can actually be transformed to one of them by a canonical change of variables. The two-fold uniqueness is shown up to the potential ambiguity of adding terms which vanish in the limit of pure gravitational physics.Comment: 21 pages, 12 figures. The final result unchanged. Section 5 rewritten for clearer discussions. The range of uniqueness commented in the final section. Some other minor correction

Causal Structure and Birefringence in Nonlinear Electrodynamics

We investigate the causal structure of general nonlinear electrodynamics and determine which Lagrangians generate an effective metric conformal to Minkowski. We also proof that there is only one analytic nonlinear electrodynamics presenting no birefringence.Comment: 11 pages, no figure

Consistent deformations of [p,p]-type gauge field theories

Using BRST-cohomological techniques, we analyze the consistent deformations of theories describing free tensor gauge fields whose symmetries are represented by Young tableaux made of two columns of equal length p, p>1. Under the assumptions of locality and Poincare invariance, we find that there is no consistent deformation of these theories that non-trivially modifies the gauge algebra and/or the gauge transformations. Adding the requirement that the deformation contains no more than two derivatives, the only possible deformation is a cosmological-constant-like term.Comment: 17 pages, details of a proof added, accepted for publication in JHE

Observational constraints for Lithium depletion before the RGB

Precise Li abundances are determined for 54 giant stars mostly evolving across the Hertzsprung gap. We combine these data with rotational velocity and with information related to the deepening of the convective zone of the stars to analyse their link to Li dilution in the referred spectral region. A sudden decline in Li abundance paralleling the one already established in rotation is quite clear. Following similar results for other stellar luminosity classes and spectral regions, there is no linear relation between Li abundance and rotation, in spite of the fact that most of the fast rotators present high Li content. The effects of convection in driving the Li dilution is also quite clear. Stars with high Li content are mostly those with an undeveloped convective zone, whereas stars with a developed convective zone present clear sign of Li dilution.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. accepted for publicatio

Four-dimensional topological Einstein-Maxwell gravity

The complete on-shell action of topological Einstein-Maxwell gravity in four-dimensions is presented. It is shown explicitly how this theory for SU(2) holonomy manifolds arises from four-dimensional Euclidean N=2 supergravity. The twisted local BRST symmetries and twisted local Lorentz symmetries are given and the action and stress tensor are shown to be BRST-exact. A set of BRST-invariant topological operators is given. The vector and antisymmetric tensor twisted supersymmetries and their algebra are also found.Comment: Published version. Expanded discussion of new results in the introduction and some clarifying remarks added in later sections. 22 pages, uses phyzz