Graduate Local phase invariance of complex scalar field in curved spacetime

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the gauge field produced by a complex scalar field in curved spacetime, specifically using the complex scalar field Lagrangian given by $$ L = (g^{\mu \nu}d_\mu \phi d_\nu \phi^* -V(\phi, \phi^*)) \sqrt{-g}$$. Participants explore the implications of substituting the scalar field with a phase factor and the resulting complexities in the Lagrangian. The conversation highlights the need for a deeper understanding of gauge fields and their relationship with the Klein-Gordon equation, particularly in the context of U(1) gauge symmetry and scalar electrodynamics in curved backgrounds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Complex scalar field theory
  • General relativity and curved spacetime concepts
  • Gauge theory fundamentals
  • Klein-Gordon equation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of gauge fields in curved spacetime using "Scalar Electrodynamics in Curved Spacetime"
  • Examine the implications of U(1) gauge symmetry in "Gauge Theories of the Strong and Electroweak Interactions"
  • Research the role of covariant derivatives in "Advanced Quantum Field Theory: A Modern Primer"
  • Explore the relationship between gauge fields and the Klein-Gordon equation in "Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime"
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in physics, and researchers interested in quantum field theory, particularly those exploring the interactions of scalar fields in curved spacetime and gauge theories.

Tertius
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TL;DR
Trying to derive the gauge field for the complex scalar field in curved spacetime.
I am stuck deriving the gauge field produced in curved spacetime for a complex scalar field. If the underlying spacetime changes, I would assume it would change the normal Lagrangian and the gauge field in the same way, so at first guess I would say the gauge field remains unchanged. If there is additional insight (or correction) here I would gladly read an article or book chapter if there are any suggestions.

Ok, here's where I am getting stuck. Starting with the complex scalar field Lagrangian (where covariant derivatives have been replaced with partials because it is a scalar field): $$ L = (g^{\mu \nu}d_\mu \phi d_\nu \phi^* -V(\phi, \phi^*)) \sqrt{-g}$$ We can then make the substitutions $$ \phi \rightarrow \phi e^{i\theta(x^\mu)} $$ and $$ \phi^* \rightarrow \phi^* e^{-i\theta(x^\mu)} $$ And the Lagrangian becomes $$ L = (g^{\mu \nu} (d_\mu \phi d^{i\theta} + i d_\mu \theta e^{i\theta} \phi)(d_\nu \phi^* e^{-i\theta} - i d_\nu \theta e^{-i\theta} \phi^*) - V(\phi, \phi^*)) \sqrt{-g} $$ After expanding, which I'm not sure is the best idea, we get $$ L = ( g^{\mu \nu}(d_\mu \phi d_\nu \phi^* - i d_\nu \theta d_\mu \phi~\phi^* + i d_\mu \theta d_\nu \phi^* ~ \phi + d_\mu \theta d_\nu \theta~ \phi \phi^*) - V(\phi, \phi^*)) \sqrt{-g} $$

At this point, I'm not sure how to make progress to distill this into a single field that takes all of those extra terms. Maybe there is a better route to determine the gauge field?
L=
 
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What is your goal? Do you want to "gauge" the Klein-Gordon field? Then you have to introduce a gauge field and you'll end up with "scalar electrodynamics" (in a curved background spacetime).
 
My main goal is a deeper understanding. Particularly about what gauge fields are, and how a curved background may or may not change their characteristics.
If the Klein Gordon equation is a general relativistic field theory, why would the gauge field be electrodynamics? Is that just because it would be a U(1) gauge symmetry?
I suppose the KG equation is of particular interest to me because every type of particle can be a solution to it.
I am also curious how/if a curved space time affects the resulting gauge field of a lagrangian.
 
In an inertial frame of reference (IFR), there are two fixed points, A and B, which share an entangled state $$ \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|0>_A|1>_B+|1>_A|0>_B) $$ At point A, a measurement is made. The state then collapses to $$ |a>_A|b>_B, \{a,b\}=\{0,1\} $$ We assume that A has the state ##|a>_A## and B has ##|b>_B## simultaneously, i.e., when their synchronized clocks both read time T However, in other inertial frames, due to the relativity of simultaneity, the moment when B has ##|b>_B##...

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