Deformed Gauge Theories

Abstract

Gauge theories are studied on a space of functions with the Moyal-Weyl product. The development of these ideas follows the differential geometry of the usual gauge theories, but several changes are forced upon us. The Leibniz rule has to be changed such that the theory is now based on a twisted Hopf algebra. Nevertheless, this twisted symmetry structure leads to conservation laws. The symmetry has to be extended from Lie algebra valued to enveloping algebra valued and new vector potentials have to be introduced. As usual, field equations are subjected to consistency conditions that restrict the possible models. Some examples are studied.