Conformal fields: a class of representations of Vect(N)

Abstract

$Vect(N)$, the algebra of vector fields in $N$ dimensions, is studied. Some aspects of local differential geometry are formulated as $Vect(N)$ representation theory. There is a new class of modules, {\it conformal fields}, whose restrictions to the subalgebra $sl(N+1) \subset Vect(N)$ are finite-dimensional $sl(N+1)$ representations. In this regard they are simpler than tensor fields. Fock modules are also constructed. Infinities, which are unremovable even by normal ordering, arise unless bosonic and fermionic degrees of freedom match.