Vector boson mass generation without new fields

TL;DR

This paper explores a vector field model with local U(2) symmetry that produces a massless photon and a massive vector boson, with non-perturbative evidence supporting a viable quantum continuum limit.

Contribution

It demonstrates that a vector-only model with U(2) symmetry can generate vector boson masses without introducing new fields, supported by non-perturbative Monte Carlo results.

Findings

Perturbative renormalization difficulties in the continuum limit

Monte Carlo calculations favor a quantum continuum limit

Model produces a massless photon and a massive vector boson

Abstract

Previously a model of only vector fields with a local U(2) symmetry was introduced for which one finds a massless U(1) photon and a massive SU(2) vector boson in the lattice regularization. Here it is shown that quantization of its classical continuum action leads to perturbative renormalization difficulties. But, non-perturbative Monte Carlo calculations favor the existence of a quantum continuum limit.