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A note on higher-derivative actions for free higher-spin fields

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Abstract

Higher-derivative theories of free higher-spin fields are investigated focusing on their symmetries. Generalizing familiar two-derivative constrained formulations, we first construct less-constrained Einstein-like and Maxwell-like higher-derivative actions. Then, we construct Weyl-like actions — the actions admitting constrained Weyl symmetries —with different numbers of derivatives. They are presented in a factorized form making use of Einstein-like and Maxwell-like tensors. The last (highest-derivative) member of the hierarchy of the Weyl-like actions coincides with the Fradkin-Tseytlin conformal higher-spin action in four dimensions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Scuola Normale Superiore and INFN, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy

    Euihun Joung & Karapet Mkrtchyan

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  1. Euihun Joung
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  2. Karapet Mkrtchyan
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Correspondence to Euihun Joung.

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ArXiv ePrint: 1209.4864

On leave from Yerevan Physics Institute. (Karapet Mkrtchyan)

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Joung, E., Mkrtchyan, K. A note on higher-derivative actions for free higher-spin fields. J. High Energ. Phys. 2012, 153 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP11(2012)153

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP11(2012)153

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