Physical States in Two-Dimensional Topological Gauge Theories

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the physical state structure of two-dimensional topological gauge theories using BRST formalism, revealing an infinite spectrum of states in abelian cases and providing examples for non-abelian theories.

Contribution

It systematically derives all physical states in abelian theories and offers initial examples for non-abelian cases, advancing understanding of their state space.

Findings

All physical states in abelian theories are classified.

Infinite physical states with varying ghost numbers are found.

Examples of physical states in non-abelian theories are provided.

Abstract

Physical states of two-dimensional topological gauge theories are studied using the BRST formalism in the light-cone gauge. All physical states are obtained for the abelian theory. There are an infinite number of physical states with different ghost numbers. Simple examples of physical states in a non-abelian theory are also given.