KALUZA-KLEIN THEORY

Abstract

Recent developments in Kaluza-Klein theory are reviewed. Starting with the concept of spontaneous compactification, the problem of determining the ground state geometry and its symmetry is discussed. While it is generally believed that only the zero modes can be relevant for low energy physics, it is possible in some cases to deduce the entire excitation spectrum. This is true when the internal space is a coset space. A technique is described for setting up harmonic expansions on coset spaces. Consistency in chiral Kaluza-Klein theories demands freedom from both gauge and gravitational anomalies. General features of the chiral anomalies are reviewed.