The quantum superstring as a WZNW model with N=2 superconformal symmetry

Abstract

We present a new development in our approach to the covariant quantization of superstrings in 10 dimensions which is based on a gauged WZNW model. To incorporate worldsheet diffeomorphisms we need the quartet of ghosts ( b zz , c z , β zz , γ z ) for topological gravity. The currents of this combined system form an N=2 superconformal algebra. The model has vanishing central charge and contains two anticommuting BRST charges, Q S = Q W +∮ γ z b zz and Q V =∮ c z ( T W zz +(1/2) T top zz )+ γ z ( B W zz +(1/2) B top zz −(1/2) c z F zzz −(1/4) γ z Φ zzz ). Physical states form the cohomology of Q S + Q V +∮ η z , where η z is obtained by the usual fermionization of β zz , γ z , have non-negative grading, and are annihilated by b 0 and β 0. We no longer introduce any ghosts by hand, and the formalism is completely Lorentz covariant.