Supergravity Algebra Research Articles

The topological structure of supergravity: an application to supersymmetric localization

The BRST algebra of supergravity is characterized by two different bilinears of the commuting supersymmetry ghosts: a vector γμ and a scalar ϕ, the latter valued in the Yang-Mills Lie algebra. We observe that under BRST transformations γ and ϕ transform as the superghosts of, respectively, topological gravity and topological Yang-Mills coupled to topological gravity. This topological structure sitting inside any supergravity leads to universal equivariant cohomological equations for the curvatures 2-forms which hold on supersymmetric bosonic backgrounds. Additional equivariant cohomological equations can be derived for supersymmetric backgrounds of supergravities for which certain gauge invariant scalar bilinears of the commuting ghosts exist. Among those, N = (2, 2) in d = 2, which we discuss in detail in this paper, and N = 2 in d = 4.

Canonical analysis of a system with fermionic gauge symmetry

A non-abelian gauge field with a topological action is coupled to a spin-3/2 Majorana spinor. The symmetries of this model are analyzed using the Dirac constraint formalism. These symmetries include a fermionic symmetry and the algebra of these symmetries closes; it is not the algebra of supergravity. The action is invariant without the need to introduce auxiliary fields.

Complete classiffication of Minkowski vacua in generalised flux models

We present a complete and systematic analysis of the Minkowski extrema of the $$ \mathcal{N} = 1 $$ , D = 4 Supergravity potential obtained from type II orientifold models that are T-duality invariant, in the presence of generalised fluxes. Based on our previous work on algebras spanned by fluxes, and the so-called no-go theorems on the existence of Minkowski and/or de Sitter vacua, we perform a partly analytic, partly numerical analysis of the promising cases previously hinted. We find that the models contain Minkowski extrema with one tachyonic direction. Moreover, those models defined by the Supergravity algebra $$ \mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{o}{\left( {3,1} \right)^2} $$ also contain Minkowski/de Sitter minima that are totally stable. All Minkowski solutions, stable or not, interpolate between points in parameter space where one or several of the moduli go to either zero or infinity, the so-called singular points. We finally present our results in the language of type IIA flux models, in order to show explicitly the contribution of the different sources of potential energy to the extrema found. In particular, the cases of totally stable Minkowski/de Sitter vacua require of the presence of non-geometric fluxes.

Graded Poisson-sigma models and dilaton-deformed 2D supergravity algebra

Fermionic extensions of generic 2d gravity theories obtained from the graded Poisson-Sigma model (gPSM) approach show a large degree of ambiguity. In addition, obstructions may reduce the allowed range of fields as given by the bosonic theory, or even prohibit any extension in certain cases. In our present work we relate the finite W-algebras inherent in the gPSM algebra of constraints to algebras which can be interpreted as supergravities in the usual sense (Neuveu-Schwarz or Ramond algebras resp.), deformed by the presence of the dilaton field. With very straightforward and natural assumptions on them --like demanding rigid supersymmetry in a certain flat limit, or linking the anti-commutator of certain fermionic charges to the Hamiltonian constraint-- in the ``genuine'' supergravity obtained in this way the ambiguities disappear, as well as the obstructions referred to above. Thus all especially interesting bosonic models (spherically reduced gravity, the Jackiw-Teitelboim model etc.)\ under these conditions possess a unique fermionic extension and are free from new singularities. The superspace supergravity model of Howe is found as a special case of this supergravity action. For this class of models the relation between bosonic potential and prepotential does not introduce obstructions as well.

Covariant computation of the low-energy effective action of the heterotic superstring

We derive the low-energy effective action of the heterotic superstring in superspace. This is achieved by coupling the covariantly quantized Green-Schwarz superstring of Berkovits to a curved background and requiring that the sigma model has superconformal invariance at tree level and at one loop in α′. Tree level superconformal invariance yields the complete supergravity algebra, and one-loop superconformal invariance the equations of motion of the low energy theory. The resulting low-energy theory is old-minimal supergravity coupled to a tensor multiplet. The dilation is part of the compensator multiplet.

Covariant computation of the low-energy effective action of the heterotic superstring

We derive the low-energy effective action of the heterotic superstring in superspace. This is achieved by coupling the covariantly quantized Green-Schwarz superstring of Berkovits to a curved background and requiring that the sigma model has superconformal invariance at tree level and at one loop in α′. Tree level superconformal invariance yields the complete supergravity algebra, and one-loop superconformal invariance the equations of motion of the low energy theory. The resulting low-energy theory is old-minimal supergravity coupled to a tensor multiplet. The dilation is part of the compensator multiplet.

Structure of conformal supergravities in two dimensions

We examine constraints on curvatures inN=1 andN=2 conformal supergravities in two dimensions. We show that all curvatures should vanish in order that, the whole conformal supergravity algebra closes on all gauge fields. On the other hand we find some closed sub-algebra of the conformal supergravity one.

The anomaly cancellation mechanism in N=1, D=4 supergravity and distorted supergravity algebra with Chern-Simon forms

A mechanism is exhibited which ensures that N=1, D=4 new minimal supergravity is free of Lorentz×U(1) anomalies, for any coupling to matter, although it contains an abelian chiral gauge field. This is achieved through the determination of a new supergravity algebra characterized by the presence of a U(1)×Lorentz Chern-Simon form in the field strength of a two-form gauge field. Our analysis provides therefore an example in which Chern-Simon type interactions do occur, while preserving local supersymmetry.

Secret supersymmetry

We present new non-linear realizations of the N = 1 supergravity algebra. They allow us to build interesting realistic models of the four forces of nature. These models are different from all previous ones in that particles do not appear in (broken) supersymmetric multiplets. These new non-linear realizations also permit us to construct the effective low-energy lagrangian of an arbitrary supergravity theory in which supersymmetry is spontaneously broken. We are thus able to analyze what are the model-independent low-energy effects of supergravity. We find that the number of Higgs fields and the way they couple to quark and lepton matter is a feature which distinguishes supersymmetric theories from non-supersymmetric ones.