Tensor Hierarchy Research Articles

Gauge Field Fluxes and Bianchi Identities in Extended Field Theories

Tensor hierarchy of Exceptional Field Theories contains gauge fields satisfying certain Bianchi identities with source part governing interaction with standard and exotic branes. These are responsible for tadpole cancellation in compactification schemes and provide consistency constraints for cosmological model building. Analysis of reduction of (10+10)-dimensional DFT into (D+d+d)-dimensional split DFT allows to consider all Bianchi identities of the theory in the form analogous to the ExFT approach. Here we review in details and elaborate on these ideas.

Tensor hierarchies and Leibniz algebras

Tensor hierarchies are algebraic objects that emerge in gauging procedures in supergravity models, and that present a very deep and intricate relationship with Leibniz (or Loday) algebras. In this paper, we show that one can canonically associate a tensor hierarchy to any Loday algebra. By formalizing the construction that is performed in supergravity, we build this tensor hierarchy explicitly. We show that this tensor hierarchy can be canonically equipped with a differential graded Lie algebra structure that coincides with the one that is found in supergravity theories.

L_{infty } Algebras for Extended Geometry from Borcherds Superalgebras

We examine the structure of gauge transformations in extended geometry, the framework unifying double geometry, exceptional geometry, etc. This is done by giving the variations of the ghosts in a Batalin–Vilkovisky framework, or equivalently, an L_infty algebra. The L_infty brackets are given as derived brackets constructed using an underlying Borcherds superalgebra {mathscr {B}}({{mathfrak {g}}}_{r+1}), which is a double extension of the structure algebra {{mathfrak {g}}}_r. The construction includes a set of “ancillary” ghosts. All brackets involving the infinite sequence of ghosts are given explicitly. All even brackets above the 2-brackets vanish, and the coefficients appearing in the brackets are given by Bernoulli numbers. The results are valid in the absence of ancillary transformations at ghost number 1. We present evidence that in order to go further, the underlying algebra should be the corresponding tensor hierarchy algebra.

L∞ algebras for extended geometry

Extended geometry provides a unified framework for double geometry, exceptional geometry, etc., i.e., for the geometrisations of the string theory and M-theory dualities. In this talk, we will explain the structure of gauge transformations (generalised diffeomorphisms) in these models. They are generically infinitely reducible, and arise as derived brackets from an underlying Borcherds superalgebra or tensor hierarchy algebra. The infinite reducibility gives rise to an L∞ structure, the brackets of which have universal expressions in terms of the underlying superalgebra.

Generators and relations for Lie superalgebras of Cartan type

We give an analog of a Chevalley–Serre presentation for the Lie superalgebras and of Cartan type. These are part of a wider class of Lie superalgebras, the so-called tensor hierarchy algebras, denoted and , where denotes the Kac–Moody algebra Ar, Dr or Er. Then W(An−1) and S(An−1) are the Lie superalgebras and . The algebras and are constructed from the Dynkin diagram of the Borcherds–Kac–Moody superalgebras obtained by adding a single grey node (representing an odd null root) to the Dynkin diagram of . We redefine the algebras W(Ar) and S(Ar) in terms of Chevalley generators and defining relations. We prove that all relations follow from the defining ones at level . The analogous definitions of the algebras in the D- and E-series are given. In the latter case the full set of defining relations is conjectured.

Brane Wess–Zumino terms from AKSZ and exceptional generalised geometry as an $L_\infty$-algebroid

We reinterpret the generalised Lie derivative of M-theory $E_6$ generalised geometry as hamiltonian flow on a graded symplectic supermanifold. The hamiltonian acts as the nilpotent derivative of the tensor hierarchy of exceptional field theory. This construction is an M-theory analogue of the Courant algebroid and reveals the $L_\infty$-algebra underlying the tensor hierarchy. The AKSZ construction identifies that same hamiltonian with the lagrangian of a 7-dimensional generalisation of Chern-Simons theory that reduces to the M5-brane Wess-Zumino term on 5-brane boundaries. The exercise repeats for the type IIB $E_5$ generalised geometry and we discuss the relation to the D3-brane.

L\u221e algebras and tensor hierarchies in Exceptional Field Theory and Gauged Supergravity

We show how the gauge and field structure of the tensor hierarchies in Double and E7(7) Exceptional Field Theory fits into L∞ algebras. Special attention is paid to redefinitions, the role of covariantly constrained fields and intertwiners. The results are connected to Gauged Supergravities through generalized Scherk-Schwarz reductions. We find that certain gauging-dependent parameters generate trivial gauge transformations, giving rise to novel symmetries for symmetries that are absent in their ungauged counterparts.

Algebraic Structures in Extended Geometry

Exceptional field theory (EFT) gives a geometric underpinning of the U-duality symmetries of M-theory. In this talk I give an overview of the surprisingly rich algebraic structures which naturally appear in the context of EFT. This includes Borcherds superalgebras, Cartan type superalgebras (tensor hierarchy algebras) and $L_\infty$ algebras. This is the written version of a talk based mainly on refs. [1-6], presented at ISQS25, Prague, June 2017, at QTS-10/LT-12, Varna, June 2017, at SQS 2017, Dubna, Aug. 2017, and at the 9th Mathematical Physics Meeting, Belgrade, Sept. 2017.

N = 1 supercurrents of eleven-dimensional supergravity

Eleven-dimensional supergravity can be formulated in superspaces locally of the form X × Y where X is 4D N = 1 conformal superspace and Y is an arbitrary 7-manifold admitting a G2-structure. The eleven-dimensional 3-form and the stable 3-form on Y define the lowest component of a gauge superfield on X × Y that is chiral as a superfield on X. This chiral field is part of a tensor hierarchy giving rise to a superspace Chern-Simons action and its real field strength defines a lifting of the Hitchin functional on Y to the G2 superspace X × Y . These terms are those of lowest order in a superspace Noether expansion in seven N = 1 conformal gravitino superfields Ψ. In this paper, we compute the O(Ψ) action to all orders in the remaining fields. The eleven-dimensional origin of the resulting non-linear structures is parameterized by the choice of a complex spinor on Y encoding the off-shell 4D N = 1 subalgebra of the eleven-dimensional super-Poincaré algebra.

Complete D=11 embedding of SO(8) supergravity

The truncation formulae of $D=11$ supergravity on $S^7$ to $D=4$ ${\cal N} =8$ SO(8)-gauged supergravity are completed to include the full non-linear dependence of the $D=11$ three-form potential $\hat A_{(3)}$ on the $D=4$ fields, and their consistency is shown. The full embedding into $\hat A_{(3)}$ is naturally expressed in terms of a restricted version, still ${\cal N} =8$ but only SL(8)--covariant, of the $D=4$ tensor hierarchy. The redundancies introduced by this approach are removed at the level of the field strength $\hat F_{(4)}$ by exploiting $D=4$ duality relations. Finally, new expressions for the full consistent truncation formulae are given that are, for the first time, explicit in all $D=4$ fields.

Eleven-dimensional supergravity in 4D, N = 1 superspace

We give a formulation of linearized 11D supergravity in 4D, N = 1 superspace keeping all eleven bosonic coordinates. The fields are fluctuations around M = R4|4 × Y, where Y is a background Riemannian 7-manifold admitting a G2 structure. We embed the 11D fields into superfield representations of the 4D, N = 1 superconformal algebra. These consist of the conformal graviton superfield, seven conformal gravitino superfields, a tensor hierarchy of superfields describing the 11D 3-form, and a non-abelian Kaluza-Klein vector multiplet gauging the tensor hierarchy by diffeomorphisms on Y. The quadratic action consists of the linearization of a superspace volume term and a Chern-Simons action for the gauged hierarchy coupled to the supergravity and gravitino superfields, and the full structure is fixed by superconformal and gauge invariance. When this action is projected to components, we recover the full linearized action of 11D supergravity.

Beyond E11

We study the non-linear realisation of E11 originally proposed by West with particular emphasis on the issue of linearised gauge invariance. Our analysis shows even at low levels that the conjectured equations can only be invariant under local gauge transformations if a certain section condition that has appeared in a different context in the E11 literature is satisfied. This section condition also generalises the one known from exceptional field theory. Even with the section condition, the E11 duality equation for gravity is known to miss the trace component of the spin connection. We propose an extended scheme based on an infinite-dimensional Lie superalgebra, called the tensor hierarchy algebra, that incorporates the section condition and resolves the above issue. The tensor hierarchy algebra defines a generalised differential complex, which provides a systematic description of gauge invariance and Bianchi identities. It furthermore provides an E11 representation for the field strengths, for which we define a twisted first order self-duality equation underlying the dynamics.

All Chern-Simons invariants of 4D, N = 1 gauged superform hierarchies

We give a geometric description of supersymmetric gravity/(non-)abelian p-form hierarchies in superspaces with 4D, N = 1 super-Poincaré invariance. These hierarchies give rise to Chern-Simons-like invariants, such as those of the 5D, N = 1 graviphoton and the eleven-dimensional 3-form but also generalizations such as Green-Schwarz-like/BF -type couplings. Previous constructions based on prepotential superfields are reinterpreted in terms of p-forms in superspace thereby elucidating the underlying geometry. This vastly simplifies the calculations of superspace field-strengths, Bianchi identities, and Chern-Simons invariants. Using this, we prove the validity of a recursive formula for the conditions defining these actions for any such tensor hierarchy. Solving it at quadratic and cubic orders, we recover the known results for the BF -type and cubic Chern-Simons actions. As an application, we compute the quartic invariant ∼ AdAdAdA + . . . relevant, for example, to seven-dimensional supergravity compactifications.

Abelian tensor hierarchy and Chern-Simons actions in 4D N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 conformal supergravity

We consider Chern-Simons actions of Abelian tensor hierarchy of $p$-form gauge fields in four-dimensional ${\cal N}=1$ supergravity. Using conformal superspace formalism, we solve the constraints on the field strengths of the $p$-form gauge superfields in the presence of the tensor hierarchy. The solutions are expressed by the prepotentials of the $p$-form gauge superfields. We show the internal and superconformal transformation laws of the prepotentials. The descent formalism for the Chern-Simons actions is exhibited.

M-theory potential from the G 2 Hitchin functional in superspace

We embed the component fields of eleven-dimensional supergravity into a superspace of the form $X\times Y$ where $X$ is the standard 4D, $N=1$ superspace and $Y$ is a smooth 7-manifold. The eleven-dimensional 3-form gives rise to a tensor hierarchy of superfields gauged by the diffeomorphisms of $Y$. It contains a natural candidate for a $G_2$ structure on $Y$, and being a complex of superforms, defines a superspace Chern-Simons invariant. Adding to this a natural generalization of the Riemannian volume on $X\times Y$ and freezing the (superspin-$\frac32$ and 1) supergravity fields on $X$, we obtain an approximation to the eleven-dimensional supergravity action that suffices to compute the scalar potential. In this approximation the action is the sum of the superspace Chern-Simons term and a superspace generalization of the Hitchin functional for $Y$ as a $G_2$-structure manifold. Integrating out auxiliary fields, we obtain the conditions for unbroken supersymmetry and the scalar potential. The latter reproduces the Einstein-Hilbert term on $Y$ in a form due to Bryant.

The tensor hierarchy of 8-dimensional field theories

We construct the tensor hierarchy of generic, bosonic, 8-dimensional field theories. We first study the form of the most general 8-dimensional bosonic theory with Abelian gauge symmetries only and no massive deformations. This study determines the tensors that occur in the Chern-Simons terms of the (electric and magnetic) field strengths and the action for the electric fields, which we determine. Having constructed the most general Abelian theory we study the most general gaugings of its global symmetries and the possible massive deformations using the embedding tensor formalism, constructing the complete tensor hierarchy using the Bianchi identities. We find the explicit form of all the field strengths of the gauged theory up to the 6-forms. Finally, we find the equations of motion comparing the Noether identities with the identities satisfied by the Bianchi identities themselves. We find that some equations of motion are not simply the Bianchi identities of the dual fields, but combinations of them.

Abelian tensor hierarchy in 4D N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 conformal supergravity

We consider Abelian tensor hierarchy in four-dimensional ${\cal N}=1$ supergravity in the conformal superspace formalism, where the so-called covariant approach is used to antisymmetric tensor fields. We introduce $p$-form gauge superfields as superforms in the conformal superspace. We solve the Bianchi identities under the constraints for the superforms. As a result, each of form fields is expressed by a single gauge invariant superfield. The action of superforms is shown with the invariant superfields. We also show the relation between the superspace formalism and the superconformal tensor calculus.

Chern-Simons actions and their gaugings in 4D, N =1 superspace

We gauge the abelian hierarchy of tensor fields in 4D by a Lie algebra. The resulting non-abelian tensor hierarchy can be interpreted via an equivariant chain complex. We lift this structure to N=1 superspace by constructing superfield analogs for the tensor fields, along with covariant superfield strengths. Next we construct Chern-Simons actions, for both the bosonic and N=1 cases, and note that the condition of gauge invariance can be presented cohomologically. Finally, we provide an explicit realization of these structures by dimensional reduction, for example by reducing the three-form of eleven-dimensional supergravity into a superspace with manifest 4D, N=1 supersymmetry.

Superforms in six-dimensional superspace

We investigate the complex of differential forms in curved, six-dimensional, N = (1,0) superspace. The superconformal group acts on this complex by super-Weyl transformations. An ambi-twistor-like representation of a second conformal group arises on a pure spinor subspace of the cotangent space. The p-forms are defined by super-Weyl-covariant tensor fields on this pure spinor subspace. The on-shell dynamics of such fields is superconformal. We construct the superspace de Rham complex by successively obstructing the closure of forms. We then extend the analysis to composite forms obtained by wedging together forms of lower degree. Finally, we comment on applications to integration in curved superspace and propose a superspace formulation of the abelian limit of the nonabelian tensor hierarchy of N = (1,0) superconformal models.

Abelian tensor hierarchy in 4D, N = 1 superspace

With the goal of constructing the supersymmetric action for all fields, massless and massive, obtained by Kaluza-Klein compactification from type II theory or M-theory in a closed form, we embed the (Abelian) tensor hierarchy of p-forms in four-dimensional, N=1 superspace and construct its Chern-Simons-like invariants. When specialized to the case in which the tensors arise from a higher-dimensional theory, the invariants may be interpreted as higher-dimensional Chern-Simons forms reduced to four dimensions. As an application of the formalism, we construct the eleven-dimensional Chern-Simons form in terms of four-dimensional, N=1 superfields.