Covariant Symplectic Geometry of Classical Particles

Abstract: We investigate the tension between symplecticity and gauge covariance in classical Hamiltonian mechanics. The pursuit of manifest covariance over manifest symplecticity results in a unique geometric formulation. Firstly, covariant yet non-canonical coordinates are employed by adopting Souriau's approach to minimal coupling. Secondly, covariant yet non-coordinate frames arise from Ehresmann connections in phase space. Thirdly, the concept of covariant Poisson bracket is introduced, facilitating direct derivations of covariant equations of motion. In this way, we establish manifestly covariant Hamiltonian formulations of particles coupled to background gauge and gravitational fields, with or without spin. The variational principle and path integral origins of our framework are also explicated.