Gauge Theories under Incorporation of a Generalized Uncertainty Principle

TL;DR

This paper extends gauge theories by incorporating a generalized uncertainty principle, leading to modified matter and gauge field equations, which could have implications for quantum gravity and the standard model.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized covariant derivative consistent with a minimal length scale, modifying gauge interactions and gauge field self-interactions.

Findings

Modified matter field equations with a generalized uncertainty principle

New interactions between matter and gauge fields

Additional self-interaction terms for gauge fields

Abstract

There is considered an extension of gauge theories according to the assumption of a generalized uncertainty principle which implies a minimal length scale. A modification of the usual uncertainty principle implies an extended shape of matter field equations like the Dirac equation. If there is postulated invariance of such a generalized field equation under local gauge transformations, the usual covariant derivative containing the gauge potential has to be replaced by a generalized covariant derivative. This leads to a generalized interaction between the matter field and the gauge field as well as to an additional self interaction of the gauge field. Since the existence of a minimal length scale seems to be a necessary assumption of any consistent quantum theory of gravity, the gauge principle is a constitutive ingredient of the standard model and even gravity can be described as gauge theory of local translations or Lorentz transformations, the presented extension of gauge theories appears as a very important consideration.