On asymptotic symmetries in higher dimensions for any spin

TL;DR

This work extends the framework of asymptotic symmetries to flat spacetimes in dimensions $D\ge4$ for arbitrary spin, constructing higher-spin supertranslations and generalized superrotations in a Bondi-like gauge. It establishes a one-to-one correspondence between these asymptotic symmetries and spin-$s$ partially-massless representations on the celestial sphere, and defines finite charges for supertranslations that reproduce Weinberg's soft theorems in even dimensions. The authors then classify higher-spin superrotations, showing an infinite-dimensional enhancement beyond the spin-2 case and addressing the associated charges, including regularization schemes and the role of static configurations. Collectively, the results indicate a rich, universal structure of higher-spin asymptotic symmetries in arbitrary dimensions with potential implications for string theory and high-energy limits. The work provides both general theoretical foundations and concrete spin-2 and spin-3 illustrations that support a broader role for asymptotic symmetries in high-energy gravity and gauge theories.

Abstract

We investigate asymptotic symmetries in flat backgrounds of dimension higher than or equal to four. For spin two we provide the counterpart of the extended BMS transformations found by Campiglia and Laddha in four-dimensional Minkowski space. We then identify higher-spin supertranslations and generalised superrotations in any dimension. These symmetries are in one-to-one correspondence with spin-$s$ partially-massless representations on the celestial sphere, with supertranslations corresponding in particular to the representations with maximal depth. We discuss the definition of the corresponding asymptotic charges and we exploit the supertranslational ones in order to prove the link with Weinberg's soft theorem in even dimensions.