On redefinitions of variables in gauge field theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates how redefining fields with derivatives in gauge field theories for massive spin-2 and spin-3 fields can alter the count of physical degrees of freedom, highlighting the importance of careful variable redefinitions.

Contribution

It demonstrates that derivatives in field redefinitions can change the physical degrees of freedom in massive higher-spin gauge theories, which was previously not well understood.

Findings

Field redefinitions with derivatives can alter degrees of freedom.

Hamiltonian analysis reveals changes in constraints.

Non-canonical Lagrangians impact physical content.

Abstract

In this paper, for massive fields of spins 2 and 3 with non-canonical Lagrangians, we build Hamiltonians and full systems of constraints and show that the use of derivatives in a redefinition of fields can give rise to a change of number of physical degrees of freedom.