Gamma trace of a vector-spinor

ID: gamma-trace-of-a-vector-spinor

The gamma trace contracts the vector index of a Rarita-Schwinger field with a gamma matrix, producing an ordinary spinor. In the massive free theory it vanishes by the field equations. In the massless theory a gauge transformation changes it by , allowing a gamma-traceless gauge for propagating modes. Together with transversality this removes the unwanted spin-one-half sector.

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