Momentum Energy tensor and Wilson Loop in Yang-Mills Theory

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between gauge invariance and the trace of the energy-momentum tensor in Yang-Mills theory. It is shown that the Yang-Mills tensor is not gauge invariant, but the trace of the energy-momentum tensor is. The concept of holonomy and Wilson loops are also introduced, and it is explained that the curvature tensor is related to the holonomy. The physical significance of this relationship is that the curvature tensor measures the holonomy for small loops.
  • #1
CantorsLuck
1
0
Hello Everyone. I Was Wondering how excatly the Gauge invariance of the trace of the Energy-momentum tensor in Yang-Mills theory connects with the trace of an Holonomy.
To be precise in what I'm asking:
The Yang-Mills Tensor is defined as:

$$F_{\mu \nu} (x) = \partial_{\mu} B_{\nu}(x)- \partial_{\nu} B_{\mu} (x) -ig[B_{\mu} , B_{\nu}]$$
Where ##-\frac{1}{-ig}[B_{\mu} , B_{\nu}] = F_{\mu \nu}##
If now I define a covariant derivative as follows: ##D_{\mu}=1_{2x2} \partial_{\mu} - igB_{\mu}##
where $$B_{\mu}=\frac{\sigma}{2} \beta_{\mu}$$

such that
##D_{\mu} \psi \rightarrow D'_{\mu} \psi ' = \sigma \psi \sigma^{-1}##, so ##D_{\mu}= \sigma D_{\mu} \sigma^{-1}## (1)
Applying this to ##F_{\mu \nu}## :
$$=-\frac{1}{-ig}[\sigma D_{\mu} \sigma^{-1} , \sigma D_{\nu} \sigma^{-1} ]$$
$$=-\frac{1}{-ig}(\sigma D_{\mu} \sigma^{-1} \sigma D_{\mu} \sigma^{-1} - \sigma D_{\mu} \sigma^{-1} \sigma D_{\mu} \sigma^{-1})$$
$$=-\frac{1}{-ig} \sigma [D_{\mu} , D_{\nu}] \sigma^{-1} = \sigma F_{\mu \nu} \sigma^{-1} \neq F_{\mu \nu}$$
Therefore ##F_{\mu \nu}## in not Gauge invariant.
Now, if I Consider the ##Tr(F_{\mu \nu} F^{\mu \nu})## and apply relation (1)

$$Tr(\sigma F_{\mu \nu} \sigma^{-1} \sigma F^{\mu \nu} \sigma^{-1})= Tr(\sigma F_{\mu \nu} F^{\mu \nu} \sigma^{-1}) = Tr(F_{\mu \nu} F^{\mu \nu})$$
So, the ##Tr(F_{\mu \nu} F^{\mu \nu})## is indeed gauge invariant.

Now Let's review some differential geometry concepts:

Lets consider a manifold ##M##, a Vector Bundle ##E## with a connection ##D## and a smooth path ##\gamma## that connects two points in the manifold, let's say ##p## and ##q## . We know that we can define a holonomy $$H(\gamma , D): E_{p} \rightarrow E_{q}$$

and let's remember that ##Tr(H(\gamma , D))## is gauge invariant. We think the ##Tr(H(\gamma , D))## as a Holonomy over a loop, and this loop is called the Wilson Loop. $$W(\gamma , D) = Tr(H(\gamma , D))$$

So my question is how exactly the energy-momentum tensor in Yang-Mills theory connects with the Wilson loop and what's the physical significance of this?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That's the curvature tensor, not the energy momentum tensor, just to let you know.

The relation between the holonomy and the curvature tensor is that if you expand the holonomy in the size of the curve, then the curvature tensor is the coefficient of the first term.

Physically the curvature then measures the Holonomy for small loops.

On my phone, I'll post something more detailed tomorrow.
 
  • Like
Likes dextercioby and nrqed

1. What is momentum energy tensor in Yang-Mills Theory?

The momentum energy tensor is a mathematical object that describes the distribution of energy and momentum in a Yang-Mills field. It is a 4x4 matrix that contains information about the energy density, momentum density, and stresses within the field. It plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of the field and its interactions with other fields.

2. What is the significance of momentum energy tensor in Yang-Mills Theory?

The momentum energy tensor is a fundamental quantity in Yang-Mills Theory as it allows us to understand how energy and momentum are distributed within the field. It also helps us to derive important equations, such as the equations of motion, and to study the behavior of the field under different conditions. It is a key tool in analyzing the properties and interactions of the Yang-Mills field.

3. How is the momentum energy tensor calculated in Yang-Mills Theory?

The momentum energy tensor is calculated using the Noether's theorem, which relates the symmetries of a system to its conserved quantities. In the case of Yang-Mills Theory, the symmetries are related to the gauge transformations, and the conserved quantity is the momentum energy tensor. The calculation involves manipulating the Lagrangian density of the field and applying the appropriate symmetries.

4. What is the Wilson loop in Yang-Mills Theory?

The Wilson loop is a mathematical object that describes the phase change of a field along a closed loop in space. It is a fundamental quantity in Yang-Mills Theory and is used to study the behavior of the field under different conditions. The Wilson loop is a key tool in understanding the confinement of quarks and the properties of the strong nuclear force.

5. How is the Wilson loop calculated in Yang-Mills Theory?

The Wilson loop is calculated by taking the trace of a path-ordered exponential of the field strength tensor along a closed loop. This calculation involves integrating the field strength tensor over the loop and taking into account the gauge transformations. The resulting numerical value of the Wilson loop can reveal important information about the behavior of the Yang-Mills field, such as its confinement properties.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
761
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
857
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
5
Views
152
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
334
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top