Gauging conformal algebras with relations between the generators

Abstract

We investigate the gauging of conformal algebras with relations between the generators. We treat the W5/2–algebra as a specific example. We show that the gauge-algebra is in general reducible with an infinite number of stages. We show how to construct the BV-extended action, and hence the classical BRST charge. An important conclusion is that this can always be done in terms of the generators of the W–algebra only, that is, independent of the realisation. The present treatment is still purely classical, but already enables us to learn more about reducible gauge algebras and the BV-formalism.