Notes on su$(1,2)\oplus$u$(1)$ Chern-Simons theory and Torsional Newton-Cartan gravity

TL;DR

This paper explores three-dimensional torsional Newton-Cartan gravity via Chern-Simons theory, revealing novel gauge transformation properties, connections to Schr"odinger and Lifshitz spacetimes, and relations to extended algebraic structures.

Contribution

It constructs a new TNC gravity model from su(1,2)⊕u(1) gauging, linking it to Schr"odinger gravity and algebraic structures like super BMS and 3 algebra.

Findings

Reveals non-trivial gauge transformations under Galilean boosts.

Connects TNC gravity to Schr"odinger and Lifshitz solutions.

Identifies algebraic relations with super BMS and 3 algebras.

Abstract

In this study, we investigate three-dimensional torsional Newton-Cartan (TNC) gravity by gauging the su$(1,2)\oplus$u$(1)$ algebra and construct its action using the Chern-Simons theory. This TNC exhibits novel features, including the fact that the gauge fields associated with both dilatation and rotation symmetries transform non-trivially under Galilean boosts. This theory also reproduces the Schr\"odinger gravity acquired by gauging the extended $z=2$ Schr\"odinger algebra arXiv:1604.08054 via a large speed of light ($1/c$)-expansion. In particular, we explain that the $z=2$ Lifshitz vacuum solution appearing in Schr\"odinger gravity is related to the null reduction of 4d $\Omega$-background up to a conformal factor. Based on these results, we revisit the identification between the extended Schr\"odinger algebra and bosonic analogue of super BMS algebra arXiv:1905.13154. We interpret that this relation originates from the $\mathcal{W}_3^{(2)}$ algebra which acts as the bosonic analogue of $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal algebra.