Symmetry group at future null infinity I: Scalar theory

Abstract

We reduce the massless scalar field theory in Minkowski spacetime to future null infinity. We compute the Poincar\'e flux operators, which can be generalized and identified as the supertranslation and superrotation generators. These generators are shown to form a closed symmetry algebra with a divergent central charge. In the classical limit, we argue that the algebra may be interpreted as the geometric symmetry of a Carrollian manifold, i.e., the hypersurface of future null infinity. Our method may be used to find more physically interesting Carrollian field theories.