Induced Parity Violation in Odd Dimensions

TL;DR

This paper explores how quantum loops induce parity-violating terms in odd-dimensional field theories, specifically in 2+1 and 4+1 dimensions, highlighting the role of fermion mass terms.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of parity violation induction in odd-dimensional electrodynamics, emphasizing the conditions under which finite topological actions arise.

Findings

Parity-violating terms are induced by quantum loops in odd dimensions.

Fermion mass terms are crucial for the emergence of these topological actions.

The study illustrates these phenomena explicitly in 2+1 and 4+1 dimensional electrodynamics.

Abstract

One of the interesting features about field theories in odd dimensions is the induction of parity violating terms and well-defined {\em finite} topological actions via quantum loops if a fermion mass term is originally present and conversely. Aspects of this issue are illustrated for electrodynamics in 2+1 and 4+1 dimensions. (3 uuencoded Postscript Files are appended at the end of the TexFile.)