Asymmetric Galilean conformal algebras

Abstract

The usual Galilean contraction procedure for generating new conformal symmetry algebras takes as input a number of symmetry algebras which are equivalent up to central charge. We demonstrate that the equivalence condition can be relaxed by inhomogeneously contracting the chiral algebras and present general results for the ensuing asymmetric Galilean algebras. Several examples relevant to conformal field theory are discussed in detail, including superconformal algebras and W-algebras. We also discuss how the Sugawara construction is modified in the asymmetric setting.