Quantum Field Theory With A Preferred Direction: The Very Special Relativity Framework

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)The theory of very special relativity (VSR) proposed by Cohen and Glashow contains an intrinsic preferred direction. Starting from the irreducible unitary representation of the inhomogeneous VSR group ISIM(2), we present a rigorous construction of quantum field theory with a preferred direction. We find that although the particles and their quantum fields between the VSR and Lorentz sectors are physically different, they share many similarities. The massive spin-half and spin-one vector fields are local and satisfy the Dirac and Proca equations, respectively. This result can be generalized to higher-spin field theories. By studying the Yukawa and standard gauge interactions, we obtain a qualitative understanding on the effects of the preferred direction. Its effect is manifest for polarized processes but are otherwise absent.93CNPq [313285/2013-6]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq