Stochastic field theory and finite-temperature supersymmetry

Abstract

The finite-temperature behavior of supersymmetry is considered from the viewpoint of stochastic field theory. To this end, it is considered that Nelson’s stochastic mechanics may be generalized to the quantization of a Fermi field when the classical analog of such a field is taken to be a scalar nonlocal field where the internal space is anisotropic in nature such that when quantized this gives rise to two internal helicities corresponding to fermion and antifermion. Stochastic field theory at finite temperature is then formulated from stochastic mechanics which incorporates Brownian motion in the external space as well as in the internal space of a particle. It is shown that when the anisotropy of the internal space is suppressed so that the internal time ξ0 vanishes and the internal space variables are integrated out one has supersymmetry at finite temperature. This result is true for T=0, also. However, at this phase equilibrium will be destroyed. Thus for a random process van Hove’s result involving quantum mechanical operators, i.e., that when supersymmetry remains unbroken at T=0 it will also remain unbroken at T≠0, occurs. However, this formalism indicates that when at T=0 broken supersymmetry results, supersymmetry may be restored at a critical temperature Tc.