MICHEL THEORY OF SYMMETRY-BREAKING AND GAUGE-THEORIES

We extend Michel's theorem on the geometry of symmetry breaking to the case of pure gauge theories, i.e., of gauge-invariant functionals def ined on the space C of connections of a principal fiber bundle. Our pr oof follows closely the original one by Michel, using several known re sults on the geometry of C. The result (and proof) is also extended to the case of gauge theories with matter fields. (C) 1997 Academic Pres s.