Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) symmetry. Gauge theories: Zinn-Justin equation (ZJ) and renormalization

Abstract The first part of the chapter describes Faddeev–Popov's quantization method, nd the resulting Slavnov–Taylor (ST) identities, in a simple context. This construction automatically implies, after introduction of Faddeev–Popov ‘ghost’ fermions, a Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) symmetry, whose properties are derived. The differential operator, of fermionic type, representing the BRST symmetry, with a proper choice of variables, has the form of a cohomology operator, and a simple form in terms of Grassmann coordinates. The second part of the chapter is devoted to the quantization and renormalization of non-Abelian gauge theories. Quantization of gauge theories require a gauge-fixing procedure. Starting from the non-covariant temporal gauge, and using a simple identity, one shows the equivalence with a quantization in a general class of gauges, including relativistic covariant gauges. Adapting the formalism developed in the first part, ST identities, and the corresponding BRST symmetry are derived. However, the explicit form of the BRST symmetry is not stable under renormalization. The BRST symmetry implies a more general, quadratic master equation, also called Zinn-Justin (ZJ) equation, satisfied by the quantized action, equation in which gauge and BRST symmetries are no longer explicit. By contrast, in the case of renormalizable gauges, the ZJ equation is stable under renormalization, and its solution yields the general form of the renormalized gauge action.