Infinite symmetries in the Skyrme model

We show that the Skyrme theory possesses a submodel with an infinite number of local conserved currents. The constraints leading to the submodel explo re a decomposition of SU(2) with a complex field parametrizing the symmetri c space SU(2)/U(1) and a real field in the direction of U(1). We demonstrat e that the Skyrmions of topological charges ii belong to such integrable se ctor of the theory. Our results open ways to the development of exact metho ds, compensating for the non-existence of a BPS type sector in the Skyrme t heory. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.