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Gravi-weak unification. (English) Zbl 1138.81555

Summary: The coupling of chiral fermions to gravity makes use only of the selfdual SU(2) subalgebra of the (complexified) \(\text{SO}(3,1)\) algebra. It is possible to identify the antiselfdual subalgebra with the \(\text{SU}(2)_L\) isospin group that appears in the standard model, or with its right-handed counterpart \(\text{SU}(2)_R\) that appears in some extensions. Based on this observation, we describe a form of unification of the gravitational and weak interactions. We also discuss models with fermions of both chiralities, the inclusion of strong interactions, and the way in which these unified models of gravitational and gauge interactions avoid conflict with the Coleman-Mandula theorem.

MSC:

81V22 Unified quantum theories
81V17 Gravitational interaction in quantum theory
81V15 Weak interaction in quantum theory