On The Symmetries Of Topological Quantum Field Theories

TL;DR

This paper explores the formal structure of topological quantum field theories, focusing on gauge symmetries, BRST symmetries, and the distinction between different types of antighosts, with illustrative examples.

Contribution

It introduces a transmutation mechanism between geometrical and field-theoretic antighosts and clarifies their roles within the formalism of topological quantum field theories.

Findings

Properties of gauge symmetry formalism elucidated

Transmutation mechanism between antighosts proposed

Examples illustrating the formalism provided

Abstract

We display properties of the general formalism which associates to any given gauge symmetry a topological action and a system of topological BRST and anti-BRST equations. We emphasize the distinction between the antighosts of the geometrical BRST equations and the antighosts occuring in field theory. We propose a transmutation mechanism between these objects. We illustrate our general presentation by examples.