Induced $B\wedge F$ term and photon mass generation in 3+1 dimensions

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how topological F terms can be radiatively induced in a 3+1D fermionic model and proposes a novel photon mass generation mechanism via the F term, independent of the Higgs mechanism.

Contribution

It introduces a new mechanism for photon mass generation through induced F terms in a 3+1D model, expanding understanding of topological effects in gauge theories.

Findings

Topological F terms can be induced radiatively at one-loop level.

A new photon mass generation mechanism via F terms is proposed.

The mechanism operates independently of the Higgs mechanism.

Abstract

Analysing a 3+1 dimensional model with four-Fermi interactions, we show that topological $\BF$ terms (both abelian and non-abelian) can be induced radiatively by massive fermions at the one-loop level. It is further pointed out that a mechanism of photon (or non-abelian gauge field) mass generation distinct from the usual Higgs mechanism, through the $\BF$ term, is also implemented in the long-distance effective action of this model, provided a gap equation is satisfied.