An SLq(2) Extension of the Standard Model
  We examine a quantum group extension of the standard model. The field operators of the extended theory are obtained by replacing the field operators $\psi$ of the standard model by ${\psi}$D$^j_{mm'}$, where D$^{j}_{mm'}$ are elements of a representation of the quantum algebra SLq(2), which is also the knot algebra. The D$^j_{mm'}$ lie in this algebra and carry the new degrees of freedom of the field quanta. The D$^j_{mm'}$ are restricted jointly by empirical constraints and by a postulated correspondence with classical knots. The elementary fermions are described by elements of the trefoil ($j=\frac{3}{2}$) representation and the weak vector bosons by elements of the ditrefoil ($j=3$) representation. The adjoint ($j=1$) and fundamental ($j=\frac{1}{2}$) representations define hypothetical bosonic and fermionic preons. All particles described by higher representations may be regarded as composed of the fermionic preons. This preon model unexpectedly agrees in important detail with the Harari-Shupe model. The new Lagrangian, which is invariant under gauge transformations of the SLq(2) algebra, fixes the relative masses of the elementary fermions within the same family. It also introduces form factors that modify the electroweak couplings and provide a parametrization of the Cabbibo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix. It is additionally postulated that the preons carry gluon charge and that the fermions, which are three preon systems, are in agreement with the color assignments of the standard model. 
Robert J. Finkelstein
hep-th