The dual gauge fixing property of the S matrix

The $S$-matrix is known to be independent of the gauge fixing parameter to all orders in perturbation theory. In this paper by employing the pinch technique we prove at one loop a stronger version of this independence. In particular we show that one can use a gauge fixing parameter for the gauge bosons inside quantum loops which is different from that used for the bosons outside loops, and the $S$-matrix is independent from both. Possible phenomenological applications of this result are briefly discussed.