A connection between linearized Gauss-Bonnet gravity and classical electrodynamics

Abstract

A connection between linearized Gauss-Bonnet gravity and classical electrodynamics is found by developing a procedure which can be used to derive completely gauge invariant models. The procedure involves building the most general Lagrangian for a particular order of derivatives ($N$) and rank of tensor potential ($M$), then solving such that the model is completely gauge invariant (the Lagrangian density, equation of motion and energy-momentum tensor are all gauge invariant). In the case of $N = 1$ order of derivatives and $M = 1$ rank of tensor potential, electrodynamics is uniquely derived from the procedure. In the case of $N = 2$ order of derivatives and $M = 2$ rank of symmetric tensor potential, linearized Gauss-Bonnet gravity is uniquely derived from the procedure. The natural outcome of the models for classical electrodynamics and linearized Gauss-Bonnet gravity from a common set of rules provides an interesting connection between two well explored physical models.