How do Holonomies in Gauge Theory Compare to Ordinary Loops?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of closed loops in gauge theories, specifically in relation to holonomy and Wilson loops. The advantage of closed loops is that they are gauge invariant, but they also have limitations in terms of separable Hilbert spaces. In gravity, the diffeomorphisms invariance allows for a solution to this issue, but not in gauge theory. The relationship between holonomy and Wilson loops is that they are essentially the same, with some mathematical subtleties.
  • #1
rodsika
279
2
How do Holonomies or ideas of closed-loops in Gauge Theory compare to the ordinary? What is its advantage and disadvantage? And how does it scale in the plausibility rating?
 
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  • #2
In (non-abelian) gauge theories closed Wilson loops have been introduced especially in lattice gauge theories. The advantage ist that these closed loops are gauge invariant by construction. They can be used as "canonical variables" defining the theory, but unfortunately they are uncountable and do not allow for separable Hilbert spaces. This can be fixed in gravity due to the diffeomorphsims invariance of the theory (but not in gauge theory, so Wilson loops are not used as fundamental objects).
 
  • #3
tom.stoer said:
In (non-abelian) gauge theories closed Wilson loops have been introduced especially in lattice gauge theories. The advantage ist that these closed loops are gauge invariant by construction. They can be used as "canonical variables" defining the theory, but unfortunately they are uncountable and do not allow for separable Hilbert spaces. This can be fixed in gravity due to the diffeomorphsims invariance of the theory (but not in gauge theory, so Wilson loops are not used as fundamental objects).

What is the relationship of "holonomy" to "wilson loop"?
 
  • #4
Up to mathematical subtleties they are the same

[tex]h_C[A] = \mathcal{P}\,\text{exp}\left[i \oint_C dx_\mu A^\mu(x)\right][/tex]
 

1. What is the concept of holonomies in gauge theory?

Holonomies in gauge theory refer to the mathematical concept of parallel transport of a vector or tensor along a closed curve in curved space. In simpler terms, it describes how a quantity changes as it moves along a path in a curved space.

2. How are holonomies used in gauge theory?

Holonomies are used in gauge theory to study the behavior of gauge fields, which are vector fields that describe the interactions between particles in a quantum field theory. They are also used to understand the behavior of gravity in general relativity.

3. What is the significance of holonomies in gauge theory?

Holonomies play a crucial role in understanding the geometry of space-time and the fundamental interactions between particles. They also provide a way to mathematically describe the curvature of space-time and the behavior of gauge fields.

4. Can holonomies be measured in experiments?

Yes, the effects of holonomies can be observed and measured in experiments, particularly in cosmology and high-energy particle physics. For example, the cosmic microwave background radiation and the behavior of particles in accelerators can provide evidence for the existence of holonomies.

5. Are there any applications of holonomies in other fields of science?

Yes, holonomies have applications in various fields of science, including quantum computing, condensed matter physics, and string theory. They also have potential applications in areas such as molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning.

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