Classical and quantum theory of the massive spin-two field

In this paper, we review classical and quantum field theory of massive non-interacting spin-two fields. We derive the equations of motion and Fierz–Pauli constraints via three different methods: the eigenvalue equations for the Casimir invariants of the Poincaré group, a Lagrangian approach, and a covariant Hamilton formalism. We also present the conserved quantities, the solution of the equations of motion in terms of polarization tensors, and the tree-level propagator. We then discuss canonical quantization by postulating commutation relations for creation and annihilation operators. We express the energy, momentum, and spin operators in terms of the former. As an application, quark–antiquark currents for tensor mesons are presented. In particular, the current for tensor mesons with quantum numbers JPC=2−+JPC=2−+ is, to our knowledge, given here for the first time.