We calculate the most general terms for arbitrary Lagrangians of twisted chiral superfields in 2D (2,2) supersymmetric theories [1]. The scalar and fermion kinetic terms and interactions are given explicitly. We define a set of twisted superspace coordinates, which allows to obtain Lagrangian terms for generic Kähler potential and generic twisted superpotential; this is done in analogy to the corresponding chiral superfields calculations [2]. As examples we obtain the Lagrangian of a single twisted superfield, i.e. the Abelian-dual of the gauged linear sigma model (GLSM) of a single chiral superfield, and the Lagrangian for the non-Abelian SU(2) dual of the $\mathbb{CP}^1$ GLSM model. Generic Lagrangians contain both twisted-chiral and chiral superfields, with distinct representations. We write down the kinetic terms for all bosons and fermions as well as their interactions for these generic cases. As twisted superfields play a central role for T-dualities and Mirror Symmetry in GLSMs, we expect the pedagogical exposition of this techniques to be useful in those studies.
A noncommutative associative algebra of N=2 fuzzy supersphere is introduced. It turns out to possess a nontrivial automorphism which relates twisted chiral to twisted anti-chiral superfields and hence makes possible to construct noncommutative nonlinear $\si$-models with extended supersymmetry.
We analyze the dynamics of a general two-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=(2,2)$ gauged linear sigma model with semichiral superfields. By computing the elliptic genera, we study the vacuum structure of the model. The result coincides with the model without using semichiral superfields. We also show that the low energy effective twisted superpotential contributed by semichiral superfields vanishes, whether we turn on twisted masses or not.
Three nonequivalent real forms of the complex twisted N=2 supersymmetric Toda chain hierarchy (solv-int/9907021) in real N=1 superspace are presented. It is demonstrated that they possess a global twisted N=2 supersymmetry. We discuss a new superfield basis in which the supersymmetry transformations are local. Furthermore, a representation of this hierarchy is given in terms of two twisted chiral N=2 superfields. The relations to the s-Toda hierarchy by H. Aratyn, E. Nissimov and S. Pacheva (solv-int/9801021) as well as to the modified and derivative NLS hierarchies are established.
Motivated by the results in {\tt hep-th/0508228}, we perform a careful analysis of the allowed linear constraints on $N=(2,2)$ scalar superfields. We show that only chiral, twisted-chiral and semi-chiral superfields are possible. Various subtleties are discussed.
We present the BFV and the BV extension of the Poisson sigma model (PSM) twisted by a closed 3-form H. There exist superfield versions of these functionals such as for the PSM and, more generally, for the AKSZ sigma models. However, in contrast to those theories, here they depend on the Euler vector field of the source manifold and contain terms mixing data from the source and the target manifold. Using an auxiliary connection $\nabla$ on the target manifold M, we obtain alternative, purely geometrical expressions without the use of superfields, which are new also for the ordinary PSM and prom…
In this note, we construct new representations of D=2, N=4 supersymmetry which do not involve chiral or twisted chiral multiplets. These multiplets may make it possible to circumvent no-go theorems about N=4 superspace formulations of WZWN-models.
We establish a double dualization in two-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theory. We construct a gauged linear sigma model (GLSM) which contains a complex twisted linear superfield coupled to two sets of Abelian vector superfields. In the IR regime, the GLSM provides a string sigma model whose target spaces are a defect NS5-brane, a Kaluza-Klein vortex and an exotic $5^2_2$-brane. All of them are five-branes of codimension two and are related by T-duality. This model is a natural extension of the GLSM proposed by Tong which gives a sigma model for an H-monopole, i.e., a smeared NS5-brane of co…
We present the N=4 superspace constraints for the two-dimensional (2d) off-shell (4,4) supergravity with the superfield strengths expressed in terms of a (4,4) twisted (scalar) multiplet TM-I, as well as the corresponding component results, in a form suitable for applications. The constraints are shown to be invariant under the N=4 super-Weyl transformations, whose N=4 superfield parameters form another twisted (scalar) multiplet TM-II. To solve the constraints, we propose the Ansatz which makes the N=4 superconformal flatness of the N=4 supergravity curved superspace manifest. The locally (4,…
We propose a twisted D=N=2 superspace formalism. The relation between the twisted super charges including the BRST charge, vector and pseudo scalar super charges and the N=2 spinor super charges is established. We claim that this relation is essentially related with the Dirac-Kähler fermion mechanism. We show that a fermionic bilinear form of twisted N=2 chiral and anti-chiral superfields is equivalent to the quantized version of BF theory with the Landau type gauge fixing while a bosonic bilinear form leads to the N=2 Wess-Zumino action. We then construct a Yang-Mills action described by the …
We describe a new 1+1 dimensional N=(2,2) vector multiplet that naturally couples to semi chiral superfields in the sense that the gauged supercovariant derivative algebra is only consistent with imposing covariantly semi chiral superfield constraints. It has the advantages that its prepotentials shift by semi chiral superfields under gauge transformations. We also see that the multiplet relates the chiral vector multiplet with the twisted chiral vector multiplet by reducing to either multiplet under appropriate limits without being reducible in terms of the chiral and twisted chiral vector mu…
We show that the K-K spectrum of IIB string on AdS_5 x S_5 is described by ``twisted chiral'' N=4 superfields, naturally described in ``harmonic superspace'', obtained by taking suitable gauge singlets polynomials of the D3-brane boundary SU(n) superconformal field theory. To each p-order polynomial is associated a massive K-K short representation with 256 x 1/12 p^2(p^2 -1) states. The p=2 quadratic polynomial corresponds to the ``supercurrent multiplet'' describing the ``massless'' bulk graviton multiplet.
Whenever the N=(2,2) supersymmetry algebra of non-linear sigma-models in two dimensions does not close off-shell, a holomorphic two-form can be defined. The only known superfields providing candidate auxiliary fields to achieve an off-shell formulation are semi-chiral fields. Such a semi-chiral description is only possible when the two-form is constant. Using an explicit example, hyper-Kahler manifolds, we show that this is not always the case. Finally, we give a concrete construction of semi-chiral potentials for a class of hyper-Kahler manifolds using the duality exchanging a pair consisting…
Abelian T-duality in Gauged Linear Sigma Models (GLSM) forms the basis of the physical understanding of Mirror Symmetry as presented by Hori and Vafa. We consider an alternative formulation of Abelian T-duality on GLSM's as a gauging of a global $U(1)$ symmetry with the addition of appropriate Lagrange multipliers. For GLSMs with Abelian gauge groups and without superpotential we reproduce the dual models introduced by Hori and Vafa. We extend the construction to formulate non-Abelian T-duality on GLSMs with global non-Abelian symmetries. The equations of motion that lead to the dual model are…
Exact supersymmetry can be maintained on nonanticommutative superspace with a twisted coproduct on the supergroup.We show that the usual exchange statistics for the superfields is not compatible with the twisted action of the superpoincare group and find a statistics which is consistent with the twisted coproduct and imply interesting phenomena such as mixing of fermions and bosons under particle exchange.We also show that with the new statistics, the $S$-matrix becomes completely independent of the deformation parameter.
Non-linear sigma models with extended supersymmetry have constrained target space geometries, and can serve as effective tools for investigating and constructing new geometries. Analyzing the geometrical and topological properties of sigma models is necessary to understand the underlying structures of string theory. The most general two-dimensional sigma model with manifest N=(2,2) supersymmetry can be parametrized by chiral, twisted chiral and semichiral superfields. In the research presented in this thesis, N=(4,4) (twisted) supersymmetry is constructed for a semichiral sigma model. It is fo…
We study d=2, N=(2,2) non-linear sigma-models in (2,2) superspace. By analyzing the most general constraints on a superfield, we show that through an appropriate choice of coordinates, there are no other superfields than chiral, twisted chiral and semi-chiral ones. We study the resulting sigma-models and we speculate on the possibility that all (2,2) non-linear sigma-models can be described using these fields. We apply the results to two examples: the SU(2) x U(1) and the SU(2) x SU(2) WZW model. Pending upon the choice of complex structures, the former can be described in terms of either one …
We present a complete solution of the constraints for two-dimensional, N=2 supergravity in N=2 superspace. We obtain explicit expressions for the covariant derivatives in terms of the vector superfield $H^m$ and, for the two versions of minimal (2,2) supergravity, a chiral or twisted chiral scalar superfield $ϕ$.
We complete the investigation of N=(2,2) supersymmetric nonlinear sigma-models in the presence of a boundary. We study the full bihermitian geometry parameterized by chiral, twisted chiral and semi-chiral superfields and identify the D-brane configurations preserving an N=2 worldsheet supersymmetry. Combining twisted with semi-chiral superfields leads to a clearly defined notion of lagrangian and coisotropic branes generalizing lagrangian and coisotropic A-branes on Kahler manifolds to manifolds which are not necessarily Kahler (but still bihermitian). Adding chiral fields complicates the pict…
$N=2$ string theories are formulated in space-times with 2 space and 2 time dimensions. If the world-sheet matter system consists of 2 chiral superfields, the space-time is Kahler and the dynamics are those of anti-self-dual gravity. If instead one chiral superfield and one twisted chiral superfield are used, the space-time is a hermitian manifold with torsion and a dilaton. The string spectrum consists of a scalar, which is a potential $K$ determining the metric, torsion and dilaton. The dynamics imply that the curvature with torsion is anti-self-dual, and an action is found for the potential…
Employing a novel type of non-commutative product in the Dirac-Kahler twisted superspace on a lattice, we formulate a field theoretically rigid framework of extended supersymmetry on a lattice. As a first example of this treatment, we calculate one-loop (in some cases any loops) quantum corrections for a twisted Wess-Zumino model with N \times N hermitian matrix superfields on a two dimensional lattice. The calculations are entirely given in a lattice superfield framework. We report that the mass and the coupling constant are exactly protected from the radiative corrections at non-zero lattice…
We show that certain heterotic string amplitudes are given in terms of correlators of the twisted topological (2,0) SCFT, corresponding to the internal sector of the N=1 spacetime supersymmetric background. The genus g topological partition function $F^g$ corresponds to a term in the effective action of the form $W^{2g}$, where W is the gauge or gravitational superfield. We study also recursion relations related to holomorphic anomalies, showing that, contrary to the type II case, they involve correlators of anti-chiral superfields. The corresponding terms in the effective action are of the fo…
This is a review of the relation between supersymmetric non-linear sigma models and target space geometry. In particular, we report on the derivation of generalized Kähler geometry from sigma models with additional spinorial superfields. Some of the results reviewed are: Generalized complex geometry from sigma models in the Lagrangian formulation; Coordinatization of generalized Kähler geometry in terms of chiral, twisted chiral and semi-chiral superfields; Generalized Kähler geometry from sigma models in the Hamiltonian formulation.
We consider a general N=(2,2) non-linear sigma-model in (2,2) superspace. Depending on the details of the complex structures involved, an off-shell description can be given in terms of chiral, twisted chiral and semi-chiral superfields. Using superspace techniques, we derive the conditions the potential has to satisfy in order to be ultra-violet finite at one loop. We pay particular attention to the effects due to the presence of semi-chiral superfields. A complete description of N=(2,2) strings follows from this.
We investigate N=(2,2) supersymmetric nonlinear sigma-models in the presence of a boundary. We restrict our attention to the case where the bulk geometry is described by chiral and twisted chiral superfields corresponding to a bihermitian bulk geometry with two commuting complex structures. The D-brane configurations preserving an N=2 worldsheet supersymmetry are identified. Duality transformations interchanging chiral for twisted chiral fields and vice versa while preserving all supersymmetries are explicitly constructed. We illustrate our results with various explicit examples such as the WZ…
The finite form of the $N=2$ super-Weyl transformations in the chiral and twisted-chiral irreducible formulations of the two-dimensional $N=2$ superfield supergravity are found in $N=2$ superspace. The super-Weyl anomaly of the $N=2$ extended fermionic string theory is computed in terms of the $N=2$ superfields, by using a short time expansion of the $N=2$ chiral heat kernel. The super-Weyl invariant $N=2$ superconformal structure is introduced, and a new definition of the $N=2$ super-Riemannian surfaces is proposed.
We study two-dimensional ${\cal N}=(4,4)$ gauged linear sigma model (GLSM). Its low energy effective theory is a nonlinear sigma model whose target space gives rise to a configuration of five-branes in string theory. In this article we focus on sigma models for NS5-branes, KK5-branes and an exotic $5^2_2$-brane. In particular, we carefully analyze the GLSM for an exotic $5^2_2$-brane whose background configuration is multi-valued. The exotic $5^2_2$-brane is a concrete example of nongeometric configuration in string theory. We find that the exotic feature originates from the string winding coo…
We consider holomorphic twists of arbitrary supersymmetric theories in four dimensions. Working in the BV formalism, we rederive classical results characterizing the holomorphic twist of chiral and vector supermultiplets, computing the twist explicitly as a family over the space of nilpotent supercharges in minimal supersymmetry. The BV formalism allows one to work with or without auxiliary fields, according to preference; for chiral superfields, we show that the result of the twist is an identical BV theory, the holomorphic $βγ$ system with superpotential, independent of whether or not auxili…
We discuss the central charge in supersymmetric ${\cal N}=2$ sigma models in two dimensions. The target space is a symmetric Kähler manifold, CP$(N-1)$ is an example. The U(1) isometries allow one to introduce twisted masses in the model. At the classical level the central charge contains Noether charges of the U(1) isometries and a topological charge which is an integral of a total derivative of the Killing potentials. At the quantum level the topological part of the central charge acquires anomalous terms. A bifermion term was found previously, using supersymmetry which relates it to the sup…
We investigate $N=2$ extended superconformal symmetry, using the half-twisted Landau-Ginzburg models. The first example is the $D_{2n+2}$ -type minimal model. It has been conjectured that this model has a spin $n$ super $W$ current. We checked this by the direct computations of the BRS cohomology class up to $n=4$. We observe for $n\le 3$ the super W currents generate the ring isomorphic to the chiral ring of the model with respect to the classical product. We thus conjecture that this isomorphism holds for any $n$. The next example is $ CP_{n}$ coset model. In this case we find a sort of Miur…
A sigma model with four-dimensional target space parametrized by chiral and twisted chiral N=(2,2) superfields can be extended to N=(4,4) supersymmetry off-shell, but this is not true for a model of semichiral fields, where the N=(4,4) supersymmetry can only be realized on-shell. The two models can be related to each other by T-duality. In this paper we perform a duality transformation from a chiral and twisted chiral model with off-shell N=(4,4) supersymmetry to a semichiral model. We find that additional non-linear terms must be added to the original transformations to obtain a semichiral mo…
In this work we attempt to bridge the gap between heterotic orbifold models and Calabi-Yau compactifications using gauged linear sigma models (GLSMs) with (2,0) worldsheet supersymmetry. We associate a specific GLSM to a heterotic orbifold model with twisted states that have non-vanishing vacuum expectation values (VEVs): The charges of the GLSM superfields are essentially determined by the shifted momenta of these states. When a twisted state contains an oscillator excitation, a fermionic gauging is introduced on the worldsheet inducing a non-Abelian gauge bundle, e.g. the standard embedding.…
We present new anomalies in two-dimensional ${\mathcal N} =(2, 2)$ superconformal theories. They obstruct the shortening conditions of chiral and twisted chiral multiplets at coincident points. This implies that marginal couplings cannot be promoted to background superfields in short representations. Therefore, standard results that follow from ${\mathcal N} =(2, 2)$ spurion analysis are invalidated. These anomalies appear only if supersymmetry is enhanced beyond ${\mathcal N} =(2, 2)$. These anomalies explain why the conformal manifolds of the K3 and $T^4$ sigma models are not Kähler and do n…
We study the construction of generalized Kahler manifolds, described purely in terms of N=(2,2) semichiral superfields, by a quotient using the semichiral vector multiplet. Despite the presence of a b-field in these models, we show that the quotient of a hyperkahler manifold is hyperkahler, as in the usual hyperkahler quotient. Thus, quotient manifolds with torsion cannot be constructed by this method. Nonetheless, this method does give a new description of hyperkahler manifolds in terms of two-dimensional N=(2,2) gauged non-linear sigma models involving semichiral superfields and the semichir…
The formalism of graded Poisson-sigma models allows the construction of N=(2,2) dilaton supergravity in terms of a minimal number of fields. For the gauged chiral U(1) symmetry the full action, involving all fermionic contributions, is derived. The twisted chiral case follows by simple redefinition of fields. The equivalence of our approach to the standard second order one in terms of superfields is presented, although for the latter so far only the bosonic part of the action seems to have been available in the literature. It is shown how ungauged models can be obtained in a systematic way and…
Starting with a N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions with gauge group SU(3N) we perform an orbifold projection leading to a N=1 supersymmetric SU(N)^3 Yang-Mills theory with matter supermultiplets in bifundamental representations of the gauge group, which is chiral and anomaly free. Subsequently, we search for vacua of the projected theory which can be interpreted as spontaneously generated twisted fuzzy spheres. We show that by adding the appropriate soft supersymmetry breaking terms we can indeed reveal such vacua. Three cases are studied, where the gauge group is spontane…
