Asymptotic U(1) charges at spatial infinity

Abstract

Large gauge symmetries in Minkowski spacetime are often studied in two distinct regimes: either at asymptotic (past or future) times or at spatial infinity. By working in harmonic gauge, we provide a unified description of large gauge symmetries (and their associated charges) that applies to both regimes. At spatial infinity the charges are conserved and interpolate between those defined at the asymptotic past and future. This explains the equality of asymptotic past and future charges, as recently proposed in connection with Weinberg’s soft photon theorem.