In any non-Abelian gauge theory, any maximum Abelian gauge is an incomplete gauge which fixes the gauge freedom outside of the maximum Abelian subgroup. Examples are
- For SU(2) gauge theory in D dimensions, the maximum Abelian subgroup is a U(1) subgroup. If this is chosen to be the one generated by the Pauli matrix σ3, then the maximum Abelian gauge is that which maximizes the function
-
- where
- For SU(3) gauge theory in D dimensions, the maximum Abelian subgroup is a U(1)×U(1) subgroup. If this is chosen to be the one generated by the Gell-Mann matrices λ3 and λ8, then the maximum Abelian gauge is that which maximizes the function
-
- where
Read more about this topic: Gauge Fixing
Famous quotes containing the word maximum:
“Only at his maximum does an individual surpass all his derivative elements, and become purely himself. And most people never get there. In his own pure individuality a man surpasses his father and mother, and is utterly unknown to them.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)