The gauge dependence of the effective action Γ and potential V are studied in general gauge theories. Explicit expressions which manifest all the gauge dependences of Γ and V are obtained. From these equations, it is concluded that Γ (or V) has gauge-invariant values for any solution of the Euler-Lagrange equation δΓδφ=0 (or ∂V∂φ=0) Introduction of a certain concept about the categories of gauge conditions resolves the appearance of a gauge-dependent unphysical "vacuum." Any gauge can be used to calculate Γ. A wide class of gauges are allowed for the effective potential V; for instance, in scalar QED the allowed gauges are -(1/2α)(∂A)², -(1/2α)(∂A-vΦ₂)² (where the direction of condensation is restricted to Φ₁), the Coulomb gauge, and the axial gauge. In particular the R_ξ gauge is also an allowed gauge.
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Fukuda et al. (1976) studied this question.
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