摘要:
We consider the signature reversing transformation of the metric tensor g μ ν → g μ ν induced by the chiral transformation of the curved space gamma matrices γ μ → γ γ μ in spacetimes with signature ( S , T ), which also induces a ( 1 ) T spacetime orientation reversal. We conclude: (1) It is a symmetry only for chiral theories with S T = 4 k, with k integer. (2) Yang–Mills theories require dimensions D = 4 k with T even for which even rank antisymmetric tensor field strengths and mass terms are also allowed. For example, D = 10 super-Yang–Mills is ruled out. (3) Gravitational theories require dimensions D = 4 k + 2 with T odd, for which the symmetry is preserved by coupling to odd rank field strengths. In D = 10, for example, it is a symmetry of N = 1 and type IIB supergravity but not type IIA. A cosmological term and also mass terms are forbidden but non-minimal R 2 coupling is permitted. (4) Spontaneous compactification from D = 4 k + 2 leads to interesting but different symmetries in lower dimensions such as D = 4, so Yang–Mills terms, Kaluza–Klein masses and a cosmological constant may then appear. As a well-known example, IIB permits AdS 5 × S 5.
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