DIFFERENT APPROACHES FOR BOSONIZATION IN HIGHER DIMENSIONS

We describe two distinct approaches for bosonization in higher dimensi ons; one is based on a direct comparison of current correlation functi ons while the other relies on a master Lagrangian formalism. These are used to bosonize the massive Thirring model in three and four dimensi ons in the weak coupling regime but with an arbitrary fermion mass. In both approaches the explicit bosonized Lagrangian and current are der ived in terms of gauge fields. The complete equivalence of the two bos onization methods is established. Exact results for the free massive f ermion theory are also obtained. Finally, the two-dimensional theory i s revisited and the possibility of extending this analysis for arbitra ry dimensions is indicated. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.