Antisymmetric tensor matter fields: an abelian model

Abstract

We present a simple renormalizable abelian gauge model which includes antisymmetric second-rank tensor fields as matter fields rather than gauge fields known for a long time. The free action is conformally rather than gauge invariant. The quantization of the free fields is analyzed and the one-loop renormalization-group functions are evaluated. Transverse free waves are found to convey no energy. The coupling constant of the axial-vector abelian gauge interaction exhibits asymptotically free ultraviolet behavior, while the self-couplings of the tensor fields do not asymptotically diminish.