Noether symmetries, energy-momentum tensors and conformal invariance in classical field theory

Details Noether symmetries, energy-momentum tensors and conformal invariance in classical field theory Noether symmetries, energy-momentum tensors and conformal invariance in classical field theory

2009-02-27

arxiv.org/abs/0902.4871v1

Physics

High Energy Physics

High Energy Physics - Theory

31 pag

Scientific paper

In the framework of classical field theory, we first review the Noether theory of symmetries, with simple rederivations of its essential results, with special emphasis given to the Noether identities for gauge theories. Will this baggage on board, we next discuss in detail, for Poincar\'e invariant theories in flat spacetime, the differences between the Belinfante energy-momentum tensor and a family of Hilbert energy-momentum tensors. All these tensors coincide on shell but they split their duties in the following sense: Belinfante's tensor is the one to use in order to obtain the generators of Poincar\'e symmetries and it is a basic ingredient of the generators of other eventual spacetime symmetries which may happen to exist. Instead, Hilbert tensors are the means to test whether a theory contains other spacetime symmetries beyond Poincar\'e. We discuss at length the case of scale and conformal symmetry, of which we give some examples. We show, for Poincar\'e invariant Lagrangians, that the realization of scale invariance selects a unique Hilbert tensor which allows for an easy test as to whether conformal invariance is also realized. Finally we make some basic remarks on metric generally covariant theories and classical field theory in a fixed curved bakground.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Noether symmetries, energy-momentum tensors and conformal invariance in classical field theory does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Noether symmetries, energy-momentum tensors and conformal invariance in classical field theory, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Noether symmetries, energy-momentum tensors and conformal invariance in classical field theory will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-572758