Gluon amplitudes in first quantization

TL;DR

This paper introduces a worldline approach to compute tree-level gluon amplitudes using a bosonic spinning particle model, connecting string theory concepts and BRST techniques to explore gauge theory structures.

Contribution

It presents a novel worldline formalism for gluon amplitudes, incorporating complex bosonic variables and a constrained algebra, with potential links to the double-copy framework.

Findings

Derived gluon amplitudes as worldline correlators

Established BRST-based interaction construction

Discussed connections to string theory and double-copy

Abstract

We compute tree-level gluon amplitudes as worldline correlators of vertex operators in a bosonic spinning particle model. In this framework, the particle's position degrees of freedom are extended by complex bosonic variables that encode its spin. In the free theory, the model exhibits a first-class constraint algebra whose gauging ensures the unitarity of the quantum theory. This algebra is a contraction of the $sl(2,\mathbb{R})$ algebra, which is by itself a subalgebra of the Virasoro algebra. In string theory, gauging the Virasoro algebra plays a similar role. Our model admits a consistent truncation to describe a pure spin-1 particle. Non-abelian interactions are introduced by using BRST techniques, which allow us to extract the vertex operators of the theory as suitable deformations of the BRST charge. BRST invariance is central to ensuring the consistency of the tree-level amplitudes analyzed in this work. We discuss connections with similar worldline constructions and comment on the potential relevance of this framework for uncovering the structures underlying the double-copy program in gauge and gravitational theories.