Covariant quantization of Yang-Mills theory in the first order formalism

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the first order formalism of Yang-Mills theory is classically equivalent to the standard second order formulation and maintains this equivalence at the quantum level.

Contribution

It proves the quantum equivalence of the first and second order formalisms of Yang-Mills theory.

Findings

Classical equivalence between first and second order formulations.

Quantum equivalence of both formulations established.

Supports the validity of first order formalism in quantum Yang-Mills theory.

Abstract

In the present paper the Yang-Mills theory in the first order formalism is studied. On classical level the first order formulation is equivalent to the standard second order description of the Yang-Mills theory. It is proven that both formulations remain equivalent on quantum level as well.