The osp(1,2)-covariant Lagrangian quantization of irreducible massive gauge theories

The osp(1,2)-covariant Lagrangian quantization of general gauge theories is formulated which applies also to massive fields. The formalism generalizes the Sp(2)-covariant Batalin-Lavrov-Tyutin (BLT) approach and guarantees sy mplectic invariance of the quantized action. The dependence of the generati ng functional of Green's functions on the choice of gauge in the massive ca se disappears in the limit m-->0. Ward identities related to osp(1,2) symme try are derived. Massive gauge theories with closed algebra are studied as an example. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0022-2488(99)01802-2] .