Teleparallel gravity as a gauge theory: coupling to matter with Cartan connection

Abstract: We present a consistent and complete description of the coupling to matter in the Teleparallel Equivalent to General Relativity (TEGR) theory built from a Cartan connection, as we proposed in previous works. A first theorem allows us to obtain parallel transport from the Cartan connection into a proper Ehresmann connection, while a second ensures to link the TEGR-Cartan connection to the Ehresmann one-form that contains the Levi-Civita connection. This yields a coupling to matter in agreement with observations and the Equivalence Principle. As the fundamental fields proceed from the Cartan connection, if one insists on interpreting TEGR as a gauge theory of translations, such translation gauge field can be extracted from the consistent theory presented. However, this would entail a fundamental change in the structures known for gauge theory and a split between gauge field and connection is imperative. The willingness to take such a step is left to the reader.