Towards the extended SU(2) Proca theory

TL;DR

This paper constructs and analyzes a generalized SU(2) vector-tensor gravity theory, focusing on its mathematical consistency and conditions for healthy propagation of modes.

Contribution

It introduces the most general SU(2) vector-tensor Lagrangian and derives conditions for its theoretical healthiness through degeneracy analysis.

Findings

Identified relations among free functions for theory healthiness.

Determined conditions for the degeneracy of the kinetic matrix.

Established criteria for the healthy propagation of longitudinal modes.

Abstract

In this work, we explore the construction of the most general vector-tensor theory with an SU(2) global symmetry in the vector sector as a proposal for a modified theory of gravity. We start with a general Lagrangian containing terms involving symmetric and/or antisymmetric combinations of the covariant derivative of the vector field plus an arbitrary function of the vector field times the Ricci scalar. Then, we study the degeneracy of the full theory to determine whether it can be healthy or not. We find relations among some of the free functions in the Lagrangian that are necessary for the healthiness of the theory in correspondence with the several ways in which the kinetic matrix can be turned degenerate. Finally, we take the decoupling limit of the theory and find additional conditions on the free functions that are necessary for the healthiness of the longitudinal modes.