Local charges in involution and hierarchies in integrable sigma-models

Abstract

Integrable $\sigma$-models, such as the principal chiral model, ${\mathbb{Z}}_T$-coset models for $T \in {\mathbb{Z}}_{\geq 2}$ and their various integrable deformations, are examples of non-ultralocal integrable field theories described by (cyclotomic) $r/s$-systems with twist function. In this general setting, and when the Lie algebra ${\mathfrak{g}}$ underlying the $r/s$-system is of classical type, we construct an infinite algebra of local conserved charges in involution, extending the approach of Evans, Hassan, MacKay and Mountain developed for the principal chiral model and symmetric space $\sigma$-model. In the present context, the local charges are attached to certain `regular' zeros of the twist function and have increasing degrees related to the exponents of the untwisted affine Kac-Moody algebra $\widehat{{\mathfrak{g}}}$ associated with ${\mathfrak{g}}$. The Hamiltonian flows of these charges are shown to generate an infinite hierarchy of compatible integrable equations.