Constructing conserved current from lagrangian

In summary, the conversation is about the Lagrangian for a massive vector field in Euclidean space-time and the use of the canonical energy-momentum tensor to obtain an equation involving the spin matrix and the field. The question is how this equation is obtained and how the explicit form of the spin matrix for a vector field is used. The attempt at a solution involves simplifying the equation and inserting the spin matrix, but does not yield the desired result.
  • #1
CAF123
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Homework Statement


Consider the following Lagrangian for a massive vector field $A_{\mu}$ in Euclidean space time: $$\mathcal L = \frac{1}{4} F^{\alpha \beta}F_{\alpha \beta} + \frac{1}{2}m^2 A^{\alpha}A_{\alpha}$$ where ##F_{\alpha \beta} = \partial_{\alpha}A_{\beta} - \partial_{\beta}A_{\alpha}## which means $$\mathcal L = \frac{1}{4} (\partial^{\alpha}A^{\beta} - \partial^{\beta}A^{\alpha})(\partial_{\alpha}A_{\beta} - \partial_{\beta}A_{\alpha}) + \frac{1}{2}m^2A^{\alpha}_{\alpha} \,\,\,\,(1)$$ The canonical energy-momentum tensor is, using the relation

$$T^{\mu \nu}_c = -\eta^{\mu \nu} \mathcal L + \frac{\partial \mathcal L}{\partial (\partial_{\mu}\Phi)}\partial^{\nu}\Phi,\,\,\,\,(2)$$

$$T^{\mu \nu}_c = F^{\mu \alpha}\partial^{\nu}A_{\alpha} - \eta^{\mu \nu}\mathcal L$$

Then from ##T^{\mu \nu}_B = T^{\mu \nu}_c + \partial_{\rho}B^{\rho \mu \nu}##, it is found that $$B^{\alpha \mu \nu} = F^{\alpha \mu}A^{\nu}\,\,\,\,(3)$$ using the formula $$B^{\mu \rho \nu} = \frac{1}{2}i \left\{\frac{\partial \mathcal L}{\partial (\partial_{\mu}A_{\gamma})} S^{\nu \rho}A_{\gamma} + \frac{\partial \mathcal L}{\partial (\partial_{\rho}A_{\gamma})} S^{\mu \nu}A_{\gamma} + \frac{\partial \mathcal L}{\partial (\partial_{\nu}A_{\gamma})} S^{\mu \rho}A_{\gamma}\right\}$$ My question is how is this equation obtained and how did they obtain ##(3)##? Did they make use of the explicit form of the spin matrix for a vector field?

Homework Equations



(My question is from Di Francesco et al 'Conformal Field Theory' P.46-47).

The Attempt at a Solution


$$B^{\alpha \mu \nu} = \frac{i}{2}\left\{F^{\alpha \gamma}S^{\nu \mu}A_{\gamma} + F^{\mu \gamma}S^{\alpha \nu}A_{\gamma} + F^{\nu \gamma}S^{\alpha \mu}A_{\gamma}\right\}$$ from simplifying the above. Concentrate on the first term. Then $$F^{\alpha \gamma}S^{\nu \mu}A_{\gamma} = F^{\alpha \gamma}\eta_{\gamma c}\eta^{\nu a}\eta^{\mu b} (S_{ab})^c_dA^d$$ Inputting the form of $S$ for a vector field, I get $$F^{\alpha \gamma}\eta_{\gamma c}\eta^{\nu a}\eta^{\mu b}(\delta^c_a \eta_{bd} - \delta^c_b \eta_{da})A^d$$ But simplifying this and writing the other terms does not yield the result. Did I make a mistake upon insertion of the spin matrix?
 
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  • #2
Can anybody help with this at all? Thanks.
 

Related to Constructing conserved current from lagrangian

1. What is a conserved current in physics?

A conserved current is a physical quantity that remains constant over time, even when other variables or quantities may change. In physics, it is often associated with the conservation of certain fundamental quantities, such as energy, momentum, or charge.

2. How is a conserved current constructed from a Lagrangian?

In theoretical physics, the Lagrangian is a mathematical function that describes the dynamics of a system. From this function, one can derive equations of motion that govern the behavior of the system. By applying the principle of least action, one can also construct a conserved current that is associated with the symmetries of the system described by the Lagrangian.

3. What is the principle of least action?

The principle of least action is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the actual motion of a system is the one that minimizes the action, which is a measure of the system's energy. This principle is used in the construction of a conserved current from a Lagrangian, as it ensures that the current is conserved over time.

4. What are the applications of constructing conserved currents from Lagrangians?

Constructing conserved currents from Lagrangians has many applications in theoretical physics. It is used in the study of symmetries and conservation laws, as well as in the development of mathematical models for physical systems. It also plays a crucial role in the formulation of quantum field theories, which are essential for understanding the behavior of particles and their interactions.

5. Are there any limitations to constructing conserved currents from Lagrangians?

While constructing conserved currents from Lagrangians is a powerful tool in theoretical physics, it does have some limitations. One limitation is that it only applies to systems that can be described by the Lagrangian formalism. Additionally, the construction of conserved currents may not be possible for some systems, depending on the complexity of the Lagrangian and the symmetries of the system.

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