Spin-3 Gravity in Three-Dimensional Flat Space

Abstract

We present the first example of a nontrivial higher spin theory in three-dimensional flat space. We propose flat-space boundary conditions and prove their consistency for this theory. We find that the asymptotic symmetry algebra is a (centrally extended) higher spin generalization of the Bondi-Metzner-Sachs algebra, which we describe in detail. We also address higher spin analogues of flat space cosmology solutions and possible generalizations.