How to Implement Current Conservation for SU(N) in the Adjoint Representation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on implementing current conservation for SU(N) in the adjoint representation, specifically through the equation D^{\mu}F_{\mu\nu} = - j_{\nu}. The solution involves differentiating this equation covariantly and anti-symmetrically, leading to the expression \frac{1}{2}[D^{\mu}, D^{\nu}]F_{\mu\nu} = D^{\nu}j_{\nu}. The covariant derivative in the adjoint representation is defined as D^{\mu}M \equiv \partial^{\mu}M + [A^{\mu}, M], which allows for the conclusion that D^{\nu}j_{\nu} = \frac{1}{2}[F^{\mu\nu}, F_{\mu\nu}] = 0, confirming current conservation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of SU(N) gauge theory
  • Familiarity with covariant derivatives in the adjoint representation
  • Knowledge of anti-symmetrization in tensor calculus
  • Proficiency in matrix-valued fields and their operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of covariant derivatives in gauge theories
  • Explore the implications of current conservation in quantum field theory
  • Learn about the adjoint representation in Lie groups
  • Investigate the role of field strength tensors in gauge theories
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in gauge theories, quantum field theory researchers, and graduate students studying the mathematical foundations of particle physics.

Tian
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Homework Statement
In the "An introduction to Quantum Field Thoery" of Peskin and Schroeder, the equation(15.51) of the chapter 15.3 gives the classical equation of motion, so from this equation to derive the current conservation.
Relevant Equations
the classical equation of motion for SU(N), please see my picture
Here is my solution
2C869620FEBDBAA1F955AC83ADAF6638.png
 
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D^{\mu}F_{\mu\nu} = - j_{\nu}, Differentiate this covariantly and anti-symmetrized to obtain \frac{1}{2}[D^{\mu}, D^{\nu}]F_{\mu\nu} = D^{\nu}j_{\nu}. \ \ \ \ (1) Now, from the definition of the covariant derivative in the adjoint representation (acting on any matrix-valued field) D^{\mu}M \equiv \partial^{\mu}M + [A^{\mu} , M], you can show that [D^{\mu} , D^{\nu}]M = [F^{\mu\nu} ,M] Thus, for M = F_{\mu\nu}, eq(1) becomes D^{\nu}j_{\nu} = \frac{1}{2}[F^{\mu\nu} , F_{\mu\nu}] = 0.
 
Thank you veery much . It should be done in the adjoint repesentation.
 

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