Nonlinear σ-models and their gauging in and out of superspace

Abstract

We analyze and generalize bosonic nonlinear σ-models and their N = 1,2 supersymmetric extensions in (4 spacetime-dimensional) N = 1 superspace. We give a general construction of nonminimal kinetic terms for gauge fields and of N = 1,2 gauging of isometries on Kähler and hyper-Kähler manifolds. In particular, we study the gauging of noncompact groups. We derive the complete component action and supertrace formula. For N = 2 models, the supertrace always vanishes.