Chiral gauge theories and non-abelian analogues of axions

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of axion-like fields in constructing local, gauge-invariant chiral gauge theories, including nonabelian cases, where gauge symmetry is broken and gauge bosons gain mass.

Contribution

It introduces a novel framework for formulating chiral gauge theories using axion fields, extending the concept to nonabelian gauge groups with specific symmetry properties.

Findings

Gauge symmetry is broken and gauge bosons acquire mass via axion absorption.

Nonabelian axion analogues can be incorporated into chiral gauge theories.

The construction maintains classical and quantum gauge invariance.

Abstract

The axion particle may or may not exist, but the axion field can be used, as shown here, in an explicitly local formulation of a chiral U(1) gauge theory with both classical and quantum gauge invariance. Nonabelian analogues of axion fields, which have recently been introduced, can be used, together with their special symmetries, in a similar construction of nonabelian chiral gauge theories. As in known cases, the gauge symmetry is broken and the gauge boson acquires a mass by swallowing the axions which are therefore not physical in this construction.