Gravitational anomalies in gauge theory refer to the breakdown of gauge symmetry due to quantum effects in effective field theories of quantum gravity, particularly in the context of triangle diagrams. These anomalies pose a threat to the invariance under general coordinate transformations, similar to gauge anomalies observed in Yang-Mills theories. The discussion clarifies that gravitational anomalies are distinct from gauge anomalies, emphasizing their specific implications in quantum gravity frameworks.
PREREQUISITESThe discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, researchers in quantum gravity, and students studying gauge theories and their anomalies.
Thank you haushofer.haushofer said:My first guess would be that gravitational anomalies arise in effective field theories of quantum gravity (quantization of GR) in triangle diagrams, which analogously to "normal" gauge anomalies in Yang-Mills theories threaten to spoil your gauge symmetry: the invariance under general coordinate transformations.