Wigner's infinite spin representations and inert matter

TL;DR

This paper explores the unique localization properties of infinite spin representations of the Poincaré group, showing they cannot interact with normal matter and discussing implications for inert and dark matter.

Contribution

It introduces a new perturbation theory for higher spin fields and demonstrates that infinite spin matter is non-interacting, suggesting a link to dark matter.

Findings

Infinite spin matter cannot interact with normal matter.

Infinite spin fields are localized on semi-infinite spacelike strings.

Potential connection between inert matter and dark matter.

Abstract

Positive energy ray representations of the Poincar\'e group are naturally subdivided into three classes according to their mass and spin content: m>0, m=0 finite helicity and m=0 infinite helicity. For a long time the localization properties of the massless infinite spin class remained unknown before it became clear that such matter does not permit compact spactime localization and its generating covariant fields are localized on semi-infinite spacelike strings. Using a new perturbation theory for higher spin fields we show that infinite spin matter cannot interact with normal matter and we formulate condition under which this also could happen for finite spin s>1 fields. This raises the question of a possible connection between inert matter and dark matter.