Local BRST cohomology and covariance

TL;DR

This paper develops a systematic framework for analyzing local BRST cohomology in gauge theories, linking it to gauge covariant algebra and simplifying computations of physical quantities.

Contribution

It introduces a cohomological approach based on s+d in jet space, connecting BRST cohomology to gauge covariant structures and reducing complex calculations.

Findings

Provides a cohomological method for gauge theories

Relates BRST cohomology to gauge covariant algebra

Simplifies computation of gauge-invariant quantities

Abstract

The paper provides a framework for a systematic analysis of the local BRST cohomology in a large class of gauge theories. The approach is based on the cohomology of s+d in the jet space of fields and antifields, s and d being the BRST operator and exterior derivative respectively. It relates the BRST cohomology to an underlying gauge covariant algebra and reduces its computation to a compactly formulated problem involving only suitably defined generalized connections and tensor fields. The latter are shown to provide the building blocks of physically relevant quantities such as gauge invariant actions, Noether currents and gauge anomalies, as well as of the equations of motion.