Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2014/iii/paper-44/4/b/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2014 iii Paper 44 4 b Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-06
Factor the odd parameter on the left, . The resulting left-acting BRST differential obeys the graded Leibniz ruleFor the odd Grassmann field , the bracket in the transformation is a graded commutator: , not the identically zero ordinary commutator of a matrix with itself. Thus , while , and .
On the ghost,On the gauge field, variation of the connection and the adjoint covariant derivative givesHere is even and therefore obeys the ordinary product rule. Also and , without using any field equation; this is off-shell nilpotence supplied by the Nakanishi-Lautrup field.
Applying the graded Leibniz rule twice cancels the two cross terms:The square is consequently an even graded derivation. Since it vanishes on every generator, it vanishes inductively on every polynomial in the fields. Hence for every such operator. This genuine result is stronger than the automatic vanishing obtained by merely setting ; two independent transformation parameters also give a vanishing commutator.
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