Pure Spinor Superfield Research Articles

Canonical Supermultiplets and Their Koszul Duals

The pure spinor superfield formalism reveals that, in any dimension and with any amount of supersymmetry, one particular supermultiplet is distinguished from all others. This “canonical supermultiplet” is equipped with an additional structure that is not apparent in any component-field formalism: a (homotopy) commutative algebra structure on the space of fields. The structure is physically relevant in several ways; it is responsible for the interactions in ten-dimensional super Yang–Mills theory, as well as crucial to any first-quantised interpretation. We study the L∞\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$L_\\infty $$\\end{document} algebra structure that is Koszul dual to this commutative algebra, both in general and in numerous examples, and prove that it is equivalent to the subalgebra of the Koszul dual to functions on the space of generalised pure spinors in internal degree greater than or equal to three. In many examples, the latter is the positive part of a Borcherds–Kac–Moody superalgebra. Using this result, we can interpret the canonical multiplet as the homotopy fiber of the map from generalised pure spinor space to its derived replacement. This generalises and extends work of Movshev–Schwarz and Gálvez–Gorbounov–Shaikh–Tonks in the same spirit. We also comment on some issues with physical interpretations of the canonical multiplet, which are illustrated by an example related to the complex Cayley plane, and on possible extensions of our construction, which appear relevant in an example with symmetry type G2×A1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$G_2 \ imes A_1$$\\end{document}.

Twisting pure spinor superfields, with applications to supergravity

Twisting pure spinor superfields, with applications to supergravity

The Derived Pure Spinor Formalism as an Equivalence of Categories

We construct a derived generalization of the pure spinor superfield formalism and prove that it exhibits an equivalence of dg-categories between multiplets for a supertranslation algebra and equivariant modules over its Chevalley-Eilenberg cochains. This equivalence is closely linked to Koszul duality for the supertranslation algebra. After introducing and describing the category of supermultiplets, we define the derived pure spinor construction explicitly as a dg-functor. We then show that the functor that takes the derived supertranslation invariants of any supermultiplet is a quasi-inverse to the pure spinor construction, using an explicit calculation. Finally, we illustrate our findings with examples and use insights from the derived formalism to answer some questions regarding the ordinary (underived) pure spinor superfield formalism.

A Minimal b Ghost

AbstractThe b ghost, or b operator, used for fixing Siegel gauge in the pure spinor superfield formalism, is a composite operator of negative ghost number, satisfying , where q is the pure spinor differential (BRST operator). It is traditionally constructed using non‐minimal variables. However, since all cohomology has minimal representatives, it seems likely that there should be versions of physically meaningful operators, also with negative ghost number, using only minimal variables. The purpose of this letter is to demonstrate that this statement holds by providing a concrete construction in super‐Yang–Mills theory, and to argue that it is a general feature in the pure spinor superfield formalism.

Constraints in the BV formalism: Six-dimensional supersymmetry and its twists

We formulate the abelian six-dimensional N=(2,0) theory perturbatively, in a generalization of the Batalin–Vilkovisky formalism. Using this description, we compute the holomorphic and non-minimal twists at the perturbative level. This calculation hinges on the existence of an L∞ action of the supersymmetry algebra on the abelian tensor multiplet, which we describe in detail. Our formulation appears naturally in the pure spinor superfield formalism, but understanding it requires developing a presymplectic generalization of the BV formalism, inspired by Dirac's theory of constraints. The holomorphic twist consists of symplectic-valued holomorphic bosons from the N=(1,0) hypermultiplet, together with a degenerate holomorphic theory of holomorphic one-forms from the N=(1,0) tensor multiplet, which can be seen to describe the infinitesimal intermediate Jacobian variety. We check that our formulation and our results match with known ones under various dimensional reductions, as well as comparing the holomorphic twist to Kodaira–Spencer theory. Matching our formalism to five-dimensional Yang–Mills theory after reduction leads to some issues related to electric–magnetic duality; we offer some speculation on a nonperturbative resolution.

Maximally Twisted Eleven-Dimensional Supergravity

We perform the maximal twist of eleven-dimensional supergravity. This twist is partially topological and exists on manifolds of G_2 times SU(2) holonomy. Our derivation starts with an explicit description of the Batalin–Vilkovisky complex associated to the three-form multiplet in the pure spinor superfield formalism. We then determine the L_infty module structure of the supersymmetry algebra on the component fields. We twist the theory by modifying the differential of the Batalin–Vilkovisky complex to incorporate the action of a scalar supercharge. We find that the resulting free twisted theory is given by the tensor product of the de Rham and Dolbeault complexes of the respective G_2 and SU(2) holonomy manifolds as conjectured by Costello.

Perspectives on the pure spinor superfield formalism

In this note, we study, formalize, and generalize the pure spinor superfield formalism from a rather nontraditional perspective. To set the stage, we review the notion of a multiplet for a general super Lie algebra, working in the context of the BV and BRST formalisms. Building on this, we explain how the pure spinor superfield formalism can be viewed as constructing a supermultiplet out of the input datum of an equivariant graded module over the ring of functions on the nilpotence variety. We use the homotopy transfer theorem and other computational techniques from homological algebra to relate these multiplets to more standard component-field formulations. Physical properties of the resulting multiplets can then be understood in terms of algebrogeometric properties of the nilpotence variety. We illustrate our discussion with many examples in various dimensions.

SL(5) Supersymmetry

AbstractWe consider supersymmetry in five dimensions, where the fermionic parameters are a 2‐form under . Supermultiplets are investigated using the pure spinor superfield formalism, and are found to be closely related to infinite‐dimensional extensions of the supersymmetry algebra: the Borcherds superalgebra , the tensor hierarchy algebra and the exceptional superalgebra E(5, 10). A theorem relating and E(5, 10) to all levels is given.

Superspace formulation of exotic supergravities in six dimensions

We provide a linearised superfield description of the exotic non-metric N = (4, 0) supergravity in D = 6, by using a pure spinor superfield formalism. The basic field Ψ is a ghost number 2 scalar, transforming in the same R-symmetry module as the tensor fields. Partial results for the N = (1, 3) model are presented.

Nilpotence Varieties

We consider algebraic varieties canonically associated with any Lie superalgebra, and study them in detail for super-Poincaré algebras of physical interest. They are the locus of nilpotent elements in (the projectivized parity reversal of) the odd part of the algebra. Most of these varieties have appeared in various guises in previous literature, but we study them systematically here, from a new perspective: As the natural moduli spaces parameterizing twists of a super-Poincaré-invariant physical theory. We obtain a classification of all possible twists, as well as a systematic analysis of unbroken symmetry in twisted theories. The natural stratification of the varieties, the identification of strata with twists, and the action of Lorentz and R-symmetry are emphasized. We also include a short and unconventional exposition of the pure spinor superfield formalism, from the perspective of twisting, and demonstrate that it can be applied to construct familiar multiplets in four-dimensional minimally supersymmetric theories. In all dimensions and with any amount of supersymmetry, this technique produces BRST or BV complexes of supersymmetric theories from the Koszul complex of the maximal ideal over the coordinate ring of the nilpotence variety, possibly tensored with any equivariant module over that coordinate ring. In addition, we remark on a natural connection to the Chevalley–Eilenberg complex of the supertranslation algebra, and give two applications related to these ideas: a calculation of Chevalley–Eilenberg cohomology for the (2, 0) algebra in six dimensions, and a degenerate BV complex encoding the type IIB supergravity multiplet.

Pure spinor superspace action for D = 6, N = 1 super-Yang-Mills theory

A Batalin-Vilkovisky action for D = 6, N = 1 super-Yang-Mills theory, including coupling to hypermultiplets, is given. The formalism involves pure spinor superfields. The geometric properties of the D = 6, N = 1 pure spinors (which differ from Cartan pure spinors) are examined. Unlike the situation for maximally supersymmetric models, the fields and antifields (including ghosts) of the vector multiplet reside in separate superfields. The formalism provides an off-shell superspace formulation for matter hypermultiplets, which in a traditional treatment are on-shell.

An Off‐Shell Superspace Reformulation of D = 4, N = 4 Super‐Yang–Mills Theory

Abstract, super‐Yang–Mills theory has an off‐shell superspace formulation in terms of pure spinor superfields, which is directly inherited from the theory. That superspace, in particular the choice of pure spinor variables, is less suitable for dealing with fields that are inherently 4‐dimensional, such as the superfields based on the scalars, which are gauge‐covariant, and traces of powers of scalars, which are gauge‐invariant. We give a reformulation of , super‐Yang–Mills theory in superspace, using inherently 4‐dimensional pure spinors. All local degrees of freedom reside in a superfield based on the physical scalars. The formalism should be suited for calculations of correlators of traces of scalar superfields.

Double supergeometry

A geometry of superspace corresponding to double field theory is developed, with type II supergravity in D=10 as the main example. The formalism is based on an orthosymplectic extension OSp(d,d|2s) of the continuous T-duality group. Covariance under generalised super-diffeomorphisms is manifest. Ordinary superspace is obtained as a solution of the orthosymplectic section condition. A systematic study of curved superspace Bianchi identities is performed, and a relation to a double pure spinor superfield cohomology is established. A Ramond-Ramond superfield is constructed as an infinite-dimensional orthosymplectic spinor. Such objects in minimal orbits under the OSp supergroup ("pure spinors") define super-sections.

Ultraviolet divergences in maximal supergravity from a pure spinor point of view

The ultraviolet divergences of amplitude diagrams in maximal supergravity are investigated using the pure spinor superfield formalism in maximal supergravity, with maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory for reference. We comment on the effects of the loop regularisation in relation to the actual absence of high powers (within the degrees of freedom) of the non-minimal variable r. The absence affects previous results of the field theory description, which is examined more closely (with a new b-ghost) with respect to the limit on the dimension for finiteness of the theory, dependent on the number of loops present. The results imply a cut-off of the loop dependence at six loops for the 4-point amplitude, and at seven loops otherwise.

Pure spinor superfields and Born-Infeld theory

We present a method for introducing and analysing higher-derivative deformations of maximally supersymmetric field theories. Such terms are built in the pure spinor superfield framework, using a set of operators representing physical fields. The action for abelian Born-Infeld theory becomes polynomial in this language, and contains only a four-point interaction in addition to the free action. Simplifications also occur in the non-abelian case.

D = 11 SUPERGRAVITY WITH MANIFEST SUPERSYMMETRY

The complete supersymmetric classical Batalin–Vilkovisky action for 11-dimensional supergravity is presented. The action is polynomial in the scalar fermionic pure spinor superfield, and contains only a minor modification to the recently proposed three-point coupling.

Pure spinor superfields, with application toD= 3 conformal models

Pure spinor superfields, with application to<i>D</i>= 3 conformal models

On pure spinor superfield formalism

We show that a certain superfield formalism can be used to find an off-shell supersymmetric description for some supersymmetric field theories where conventional superfield formalism does not work. This new formalism contains auxiliary variables λα in addition to conventional super-coordinates θα. The idea of this construction is similar to the pure spinor formalism developed by N.Berkovits. It is demonstrated that using this formalism it is possible to prove that the certain Chern-Simons-like (Witten's OSFT-like) theory can be considered as an off-shell version for some on-shell supersymmetric field theories. We use the simplest non-trivial model found in [2] to illustrate the power of this pure spinor superfield formalism. Then we redo all the calculations for the case of 10-dimensional Super-Yang-Mills theory. The construction of off-shell description for this theory is more subtle in comparison with the model of [2] and requires additional Z2 projection. We discover experimentally (through a direct explicit calculation) a non-trivial Z2 duality at the level of Feynman diagrams. The nature of this duality requires a better investigation.

Materializing superghosts

We construct the off-shell BV realization of N=1, d=10 SYM with 7 auxillary fields. This becomes possible due to materialized ghost phenomenon. Namely, supersymmetry ghosts are coordinates on a manifold B of 10-dimensional spinors with pure spinors cut out. Auxillary fields are sections of a bundle over B, and supersymmetry transformations are nonlinear in ghosts. By integrating out axillary fields we obtain on-shell supersymmetric BV action with terms quadratic in antifields. Exactly this on-shell BV action was obtained in our previous paper after integration out of auxiliary fields in the framework of Pure Spinor Superfield Formalism.