Fermions in two (1+1)-dimensional anomalous gauge theories: The chiral Schwinger model and the chiral quantum gravity

The fermion in the gauge invariant formulation of the chiral Schwinger model and its relation to the fermion in the anomalous formulation is studied. A gauge invariant fermion operator is constructed that does not give rise to an asymptotic fermion field. It fits in the scheme prepared by generalized Schwinger models. Singularities in the short-distance limit of the chiral Schwinger model in the anomalous formulation lead to the conclusion that it is not a promising starting point for investigations towards realistic (3+1)-dimensional gauge theories with chiral fermion content. A new anomalous (1+1)-dimensional model is studied, the chiral quantum gravity. It is proven to be consistent if only a limited number of chiral fermions couple. The fermion propagator behaves analogously to the one in the massless Thirring model. A general rule is derived for the change of the fermion operator, which is induced by the breakdown of a gauge symmetry. (orig.)