Higher derivative theories with constraints: exorcising Ostrogradski's ghost

Tai-jun Chen, Matteo Fasiello, Eugene A. Lim, Andrew J. Tolley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We prove that the linear instability in a non-degenerate higher derivative theory, the Ostrogradski instability, can only be removed by the addition of constraints if the original theory's phase space is reduced.
Original languageEnglish
Article number042
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Volume02
Issue number2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Feb 2013

Keywords

  • hep-th
  • astro-ph.CO
  • gr-qc
  • math-ph
  • math.MP
  • modified gravity
  • gravity
  • quantum field theory on curved space

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