Algebraic Approach to the Duality Symmetry

Abstract

The duality symmetry of free electromagnetic field is analyzed within an algebraic approach. To this end, the conformal $c(1,3)$ algebra generators are expressed as operators quadratic in some abstract operators $\kappa^\alpha$ and $\pi_\beta$ which satisfy Heisenberg algebra relations. It is then shown that the duality generator can also be expressed in this manner. Standard issues regarding duality are considered in such a framework. It is shown that duality generator also generates chiral transformations, and the conflict between duality and manifest Lorentz symmetry is analyzed from the viewpoint of symmetry group greater then conformal, in which duality generator appears as a natural part of an $su(2)$ subalgebra.