Lie algebra cohomology and group structure of gauge theories

Abstract

We explicitly construct the adjoint operator of coboundary operator and obtain the Hodge decomposition theorem and the Poincaré duality for the Lie algebra cohomology of the infinite-dimensional gauge transformation group. We show that the adjoint of the coboundary operator can be identified with the BRST adjoint generator $Q^{\dagger}$ for the Lie algebra cohomology induced by BRST generator $Q$. We also point out an interesting duality relation - Poincaré duality - with respect to gauge anomalies and Wess-Zumino-Witten topological terms. We consider the consistent embedding of the BRST adjoint generator $Q^{\dagger}$ into the relativistic phase space and identify the noncovariant symmetry recently discovered in QED with the BRST adjoint Nöther charge $Q^{\dagger}$.

24 pages, RevTex, Revised version submitted to J. Math. Phys