Covariant first and second quantization of the N = 2, D = 10 Brink-Schwarz superparticle

Abstract

Using a new type of harmonic superspace variables, we reduce the N = 2, D = 10 Brink-Schwarz (BS) superparticle to a system whose constraints are (i) first class, (ii) functionally independent and (iii) Lorentz covariant. We show that these features are essential for a correct covariant quantization. Q BRST is first rank. By using it to second quantize the system, we obtain a covariant off-shell unconstrained superfield action of the linearized D = 10 type IIB supergravity. A corresponding procedure for the Green Schwarz (GS) superstring is conjectured.