Gauge Theories and Fiber Bundles: Definitions, Pictures, and Results
Abstract
A pedagogical but concise overview of fiber bundles and their connections is provided, in the context of gauge theories in physics. The emphasis is on defining and visualizing concepts and relationships between them, as well as listing common confusions, alternative notations and jargon, and relevant facts and theorems. Special attention is given to detailed figures and geometric viewpoints, some of which would seem to be novel to the literature. Topics are avoided which are well covered in textbooks, such as historical motivations, proofs and derivations, and tools for practical calculations. The present paper is best read in conjunction with the similar paper on Riemannian geometry cited herein.
- Publication:
-
arXiv e-prints
- Pub Date:
- July 2016
- DOI:
- 10.48550/arXiv.1607.03089
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1607.03089
- Bibcode:
- 2016arXiv160703089M
- Keywords:
-
- Mathematics - Differential Geometry;
- General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology;
- High Energy Physics - Theory;
- Mathematical Physics;
- 53-01 (Primary);
- 53-01;
- 55R10;
- 81T13;
- 53C07;
- 53Z05 (Secondary)
- E-Print:
- 42 pages, 13 figures