Covariant Gauges for Constrained Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a covariant gauge method for constrained systems by extending phase space through higher derivatives, avoiding ghost fields, and utilizing Ostrogradsky's Hamiltonian approach.

Contribution

It proposes a novel phase space extension technique for singular theories that enables covariant gauges without ghost fields using higher derivatives and Ostrogradsky's method.

Findings

Phase space extension allows covariant gauges without ghosts.

Utilizes higher derivatives and Ostrogradsky's Hamiltonian formalism.

Provides a new framework for constrained system quantization.

Abstract

The method of constructing of extended phase space for singular theories which permits the consideration of covariant gauges without the introducing of a ghost fields, is proposed. The extension of the phase space is carried out by the identification of the initial theory with an equivalent theory with higher derivatives and applying to it the Ostrogradsky method of Hamiltonian description .