On quantization of massive non-Abelian gauge fields

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simplified quantization method for massive non-Abelian gauge fields, enabling new mass term forms and a Higgsless variant of the standard model, emphasizing the role of helicity zero states.

Contribution

A novel, simpler quantization approach for massive gauge theories that allows symmetric mass terms and a Higgsless standard model variant.

Findings

Method reproduces conventional results with ghost and Higgs fields

Enables symmetric mass terms previously considered impossible

Provides a Higgsless standard model variant

Abstract

A simpler method of quantization is given for massive gauge theories. This method gives the same results as those of the conventional massive gauge theory with ghost and Higgs fields under the Higgs mass. Besides, we point out physical importance of helicity zero states in non-Abelian gauge theories even in massless case. Furthermore, forms of mass terms that were impossible before, e.g. symmetric mass, are possible now. Applying our method to SU(2)xU(1) symmetry has no particular difficulty, and gives a variant of the standard model without the Higgs boson.