Quantization of Higher Abelian Gauge Theory in Generalized Differential Cohomology

TL;DR

This paper reviews the quantization of higher abelian gauge theories using generalized differential cohomology, focusing on examples like Maxwell theory, Cheeger-Simons cohomology, and Ramond-Ramond fields in string theory.

Contribution

It elaborates on the quantization process of higher abelian gauge theories within the framework of generalized differential cohomology, highlighting specific physical examples.

Findings

Quantization techniques for higher abelian gauge theories are clarified.

Connections between differential cohomology and string theory fields are established.

The role of Cheeger-Simons cohomology in gauge theory quantization is emphasized.

Abstract

We review and elaborate on some aspects of the quantization of certain classes of higher abelian gauge theories using techniques of generalized differential cohomology. Particular emphasis is placed on the examples of generalized Maxwell theory and Cheeger-Simons cohomology, and of Ramond-Ramond fields in Type II superstring theory and differential K-theory.