A conceptual bridge is provided between SUSY and the three-Hilbert-space upgrade of quantum theory a.k.a. ${\cal PT}-$symmetric or quasi-Hermitian. In particular, a natural theoretical link is found between SUSY and the presence of Kato's exceptional points (EPs), both being related to the phenomenon of degeneracy of energy levels. Regularized spiked harmonic oscillator is recalled for illustration.
We discuss the exceptional Laguerre and the exceptional Jacobi orthogonal polynomials in the framework of the supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SUSYQM). We express the differential equations for the Jacobi and the Laguerre exceptional orthogonal polynomials (EOP) as the eigenvalue equations and make an analogy with the time independent Schrödinger equation to define "Hamiltonians" enables us to study the EOPs in the framework of the SUSYQM and to realize the underlying shape invariance associated with such systems. We show that the underlying shape invariance symmetry is responsible for the so…
We construct two new exactly solvable potentials giving rise to bound-state solutions to the Schrödinger equation, which can be written in terms of the recently introduced Laguerre- or Jacobi-type $X_1$ exceptional orthogonal polynomials. These potentials, extending either the radial oscillator or the Scarf I potential by the addition of some rational terms, turn out to be translationally shape invariant as their standard counterparts and isospectral to them.
We report on duality invariant constraints, which allow a classification of BPS black holes preserving different fractions of supersymmetry. We then relate this analysis to the orbits of the exceptional groups $E_{6(6)}, E_{7(7)}$, relevant for black holes in five and four dimensions.
We construct the supersymmetric completion of E$_{6(6)}$-covariant exceptional field theory. The theory is based on a $(5+27)$-dimensional generalized space-time subject to a covariant section constraint. The fermions are tensors under the local Lorentz group ${\rm SO}(1,4)\times {\rm USp}(8)$ and transform as weighted scalars under the E$_{6(6)}$ (internal) generalized diffeomorphisms. We present the complete Lagrangian and prove its invariance under supersymmetry. Upon explicit solution of the section constraint the theory embeds full $D=11$ supergravity and IIB supergravity, respectively.
We present the supersymmetric extension of the recently constructed E$_{8(8)}$ exceptional field theory -- the manifestly U-duality covariant formulation of the untruncated ten- and eleven-dimensional supergravities. This theory is formulated on a (3+248) dimensional spacetime (modulo section constraint) in which the extended coordinates transform in the adjoint representation of E$_{8(8)}$. All bosonic fields are E$_{8(8)}$ tensors and transform under internal generalized diffeomorphisms. The fermions are tensors under the generalized Lorentz group SO(1,2)$\times$SO(16), where SO(16) is the m…
Among the possible superalgebras that contain the AdS$_3$ isometries, two interesting possibilities are the exceptional $F(4)$ and $G(3)$. Their R-symmetry is respectively SO(7) and $G_2$, and the amount of supersymmetry ${\cal N}=8$ and ${\cal N}=7$. We find that there exist two (locally) unique solutions in type IIA supergravity that realize these superalgebras, and we provide their analytic expressions. In both cases, the internal space is obtained by a round six-sphere fibred over an interval, with an O8-plane at one end. The R-symmetry is the symmetry group of the sphere; in the $G(3)$ ca…
The article is a tribute to my old mentor, collaborator and friend Murray Gell-Mann. In it I describe work by Pierre Ramond, Sung-Soo Kim and myself where we describe the N = 8 Supergravity in the light-cone formalism. We show how the Cremmer-Julia E7(7) non-linear symmetry is implemented and how the full supermultiplet is a representation of the E7(7) symmetry. I also show how the E7(7) symmetry is a key to understand the higher order couplings in the theory and is very useful when we discuss possible counterterms for this theory.
We study $D \geq 4$-dimensional half-maximal flux backgrounds using exceptional field theory. We define the relevant generalised structures and also find the integrability conditions which give warped half-maximal $\mathrm{Minkowski}_D$ and $\mathrm{AdS}_D$ vacua. We then show how to obtain consistent truncations of type II / 11-dimensional SUGRA which break half the supersymmetry. Such truncations can be defined on backgrounds admitting exceptional generalised $\mathrm{SO}(d-1-N)$ structures, where $d = 11 - D$, and $N$ is the number of vector multiplets obtained in the lower-dimensional theo…
A first-order `BPS' equation is obtained for 1/8 supersymmetric intersections of soliton-membranes (lumps) of supersymmetric (4+1)-dimensional massless sigma models, and a special non-singular solution is found that preserves 1/4 supersymmetry. For 4-dimensional hyper-Kähler target spaces ($HK_4$) the BPS equation is shown to be the low-energy limit of the equation for a Cayley-calibrated 4-surface in $\bE^4\times HK_4$. Similar first-order equations are found for stationary intersections of Q-lump-membranes of the massive sigma model, but now generic solutions preserve either 1/8 supersymmetr…
We present a novel approach to classify supersymmetric effective field theories (EFTs) whose scattering amplitudes exhibit enhanced soft limits. These enhancements arise due to non-linearly realised symmetries on the Goldstone modes of such EFTs and we classify the algebras that these symmetries can form. Our main focus is on so-called exceptional algebras which lead to field-dependent transformation rules and EFTs with the maximum possible soft enhancement at a given derivative power counting. We adapt existing techniques for Poincaré invariant theories to the supersymmetric case, and introdu…
By analyzing super-torsion and brane super-cocycles, we derive a new duality in M-theory, which takes the form of a higher version of T-duality in string theory. This involves a new topology change mechanism abelianizing the 3-sphere associated with the C-field topology to the 517-torus associated with exceptional-generalized super-geometry. Finally we explain parity symmetry in M-theory within exceptional-generalized super-spacetime at the same level of spherical T-duality, namely as an isomorphism on 7-twisted cohomology.
We construct N=2 supersymmetric nonlinear sigma models on the cotangent bundles over the non-compact exceptional Hermitian symmetric spaces M=E_{6(-14)}/SO(10)xU(1) and E_{7(-25)}/E_6xU(1). In order to construct them we use the projective superspace formalism which is an N=2 off-shell superfield formulation in four-dimensional space-time. This formalism allows us to obtain the explicit expression of N=2 supersymmetric nonlinear sigma models on the cotangent bundles over any Hermitian symmetric spaces in terms of the N=1 superfields, once the Kahler potentials of the base manifolds are obtained…
Recently proposed exceptional field theories (EFTs) making manifest the duality $E_{n(n)}$ symmetry, first observed as nonlinearly realized symmetries of the maximal $d=3,4,...,9$ supergravity ($n=11-d$) and containing 11D and type IIB supergravity as sectors, were formulated in enlarged spacetimes. In the case of $E_{7(7)}$ EFT such an enlarged spacetime can be identified with the bosonic body of the $d=4$ central charge superspace $Σ^{(60|32)}$, the ${\cal N}=8$ $d=4$ superspace completed by 56 additional bosonic coordinates associated to central charges of the maximal $d=4$ supersymmetry al…
I examine quantum mechanical Hamiltonians with partial supersymmetry, and explore two main applications. First, I analyze a theory with a logarithmic spectrum, and show how to use partial supersymmetry to reveal the underlying structure of this theory. This method reveals an intriguing equivalence between two formulations of this theory, one of which is one-dimensional, and the other of which is infinite-dimensional. Second, I demonstrate the use of partial supersymmetry as a tool to obtain the asymptotic energy levels in non-relativistic quantum mechanics in an exceptionally easy way. In the …
We analyze conditions for a tri-vector deformation of a supergravity background to preserve some supersymmetry. Working in the formalism of the SL(5) exceptional field theory, we present its supersymmetry transformations and introduce an additional USp(4) transformation to stay in the supergravity frame. This transformation acts on local indices and deforms BPS equations of exceptional field theory. The requirement for the deformation to vanish is the desired condition. The condition is shown to be consistent with previous results on bi-vector deformations.
We show that the complex $\cal PT$-symmetric periodic potential $V(x) = - ({\rm i} ξ\sin 2x + N)^2$, where $ξ$ is real and $N$ is a positive integer, is quasi-exactly solvable. For odd values of $N \ge 3$, it may lead to exceptional points depending upon the strength of the coupling parameter $ξ$. The corresponding Schrödinger equation is also shown to go over to the Mathieu equation asymptotically. The limiting value of the exceptional points derived in our scheme is consistent with known branch-point singularities of the Mathieu equation.
We consider the tetrahedral three-loop diagram in $E_d$ exceptional field theory evaluated as a scalar diagram for four external gravitons. At lowest order in momenta, this diagram contributes to the $\nabla^6 R^4$ term in the low-energy effective action for M-theory. We evaluate explicitly the sums over the discrete exceptional field theory loop momenta that become sums over 1/2-BPS states in the compact exceptional space. These sums can be rewritten as Eisenstein series that solve the homogeneous differential equations that supersymmetry implies for the $\nabla^6 R^4$ coupling. We also show …
We consider the complex $ν$ plane structure of the associated Legendre function of the second kind $Q^{-1/2-K}_ν(\coshρ)$. We find that for any noninteger value for $K$ $Q^{-1/2-K}_ν(\coshρ)$ has an infinite number of poles in the complex $ν$ plane, but for any negative integer $K$ there are no poles at all. For $K=0$ or any positive integer $K$ there is only a finite number of poles, with there only being one single pole (at $ν=0$) when $K=0$. This pattern is characteristic of the exceptional points that appear in a wide variety of physical contexts. However, unusually for theories with excep…
We find the conditions on compactifications of type IIA to four-dimensional Minkowski space to preserve N=2 supersymmetry in the language of Exceptional Generalized Geometry (EGG) and Generalized Complex Geometry (GCG). In EGG, off-shell N =2 supersymmetry requires the existence of a pair of SU(2)_R singlet and triplet algebraic structures on the exceptional generalized tangent space that encode all the scalars (NS-NS and R-R) in vector and hypermultiplets respectively. We show that on shell N=2 requires, except for a single component, these structures to be closed under a derivative twisted b…
We investigate supersymmetry in one-dimensional quantum mechanics with point interactions. We clarify a class of point interactions compatible with supersymmetry and present N=2 supersymmetric models on a circle with two point interactions as well as a superpotential. A hidden su(2) structure inherent in the system plays a crucial role to construct the N=2 supercharges. Spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry due to point interactions and an extension to higher N-extended supersymmetry are also discussed.
We investigate $N$-extended supersymmetry in one-dimensional quantum mechanics on a circle with point singularities. For any integer $n$, $N=2n+1$ supercharges are explicitly constructed in terms of discrete transformations, and a class of singularities compatible with supersymmetry is clarified. In our formulation, the supersymmetry can be reduced to $M$-extended supersymmetry for any integer $M<N$. The degeneracy of the spectrum and spontaneous supersymmetry breaking are also studied.
We investigate N-extended supersymmetry in one-dimensional quantum mechanics on a circle with point singularities. For any integer n, N=2n supercharges are explicitly constructed and a class of point singularities compatible with supersymmetry is clarified. Key ingredients in our construction are n sets of discrete transformations, each of which forms an su(2) algebra of spin 1/2. The degeneracy of the spectrum and spontaneous supersymmetry breaking are briefly discussed.
Nonassociative generalization of supersymmetry is suggested. 3- and 4-point associators for supersymmetric generators are considered. On the basis of zero Jacobiators for three supersymmetric generators, we have obtained the simplest form of 3-point associators. The connection between 3- and 4-point associators is considered. On the basis of this connection, 4-point associators are obtained. The Jacobiators for the product of four supersymmetric generators are calculated. We discuss the possible physical meaning of numerical coefficients presented on the right-hand sides of associators. The po…
We consider a non-associative generalization of supersymmetry based on three-point associators like $\left[ Q_x, Q_y, Q_z \right]$ for $Q_{a, \dot a}$ supersymmetric generators. Such associators are connected with the products of $Q_{a, \dot a}$ and $x_{b \dot b}$. We: (a) calculate Jacobiators and show that the Jacobiators can be zero with some choice of corresponding coefficients in associators; (b) perform dimensional analysis for the coefficients in associators; (d) calculate some commutators involving coordinates and momentums; (e) estimate the weakness of non-associativity.
We investigate interactions between branes of various dimensions, both charged and uncharged, in three non-supersymmetric string models. These include the $USp(32)$ and $U(32)$ orientifold projections of the type IIB and type $0$B strings, as well as the $SO(16) \times SO(16)$ projection of the exceptional heterotic string. The resulting ten-dimensional spectra are free of tachyons, and the combinations of branes that they contain give rise to rich and varied dynamics. We compute static potentials for parallel stacks of branes in three complementary regimes: the probe regime, in which one of t…
The hybrid formalism for the superstring is used to compute one-loop amplitudes with an arbitrary number of external d=4 supergravity states. These one-loop N-point amplitudes are expressed as Koba-Nielsen-like formulas with manifest d=4 supersymmetry.
We construct a model with long-lived metastable vacua in which all the relevant parameters, including the supersymmetry breaking scale, are generated dynamically by dimensional transmutation. The metastable vacua appear along a pseudo-runaway direction near a point of enhanced symmetry as a result of a balance between non-perturbative and perturbative quantum effects. We show that metastable supersymmetry breaking is a rather generic feature near certain enhanced symmetry points of gauge theory moduli spaces.
We show that metastable supersymmetry breaking is generic near certain enhanced symmetry points of gauge theory moduli spaces. Our model consists of two sectors coupled by a singlet and combines dynamical supersymmetry breaking with an O'Raifeartaigh mechanism in terms of confined variables. All relevant mass parameters, including the supersymmetry breaking scale, are generated dynamically. The metastable vacua appear as a result of a balance between non-perturbative and perturbative quantum effects along a pseudo-runaway direction.
Diverse experimental constraints now motivate models of supersymmetry breaking in which some superpartners have masses well above the weak scale. Three alternatives are focus point supersymmetry and inverted hierarchy models, which embody a naturalness constraint, and the more recent framework of split supersymmetry, which relaxes that constraint. Many aspects of their phenomenology are very similar. They can be distinguished, however, through detailed study of superoblique parameters, the Higgs potential and other observables.
The behaviour of the chiral condensates in the SU(2) gauge theory with broken N=2 supersymmetry is reviewed. The calculation of monopole, dyon, and charge condensates is described. It is shown that the monopole and charge condensates vanish at the Argyres-Douglas point where the monopole and charge vacua collide. This phenomenon is interpreted as a deconfinement of electric and magnetic charges at the Argyres-Douglas point.
Supersymmetry is a symmetry between a boson and a fermion. Although there is no apparent supersymmetry in nature, its mathematical consistency and appealing property have led many people to believe that supersymmetry may exist in nature in the form of a spontaneously broken symmetry. In this paper, we explore an alternative possibility by which supersymmetry is realized in nature, that is, supersymmetry dynamically emerges in the low energy limit of a non-supersymmetric condensed matter system. We propose a 2+1D lattice model which exhibits an emergent space-time supersymmetry at a quantum cri…
Supersymmetry plays a crucial role in superstring theory and high-energy physics, but has never been observed in experiments. Recently, an effective space-time supersymmetry was argued to emerge in the low-energy region by tuning Dirac or Weyl semimetal to approach a superconducting quantum critical point, at which the Dirac or Weyl fermion and the bosonic order parameter are both massless. Here, we study under what circumstances can space-time supersymmetry be realized at a quantum critical point. We demonstrate that the Yukawa-type coupling between the massless fermion and massless boson can…
We establish the existence of fixed points for certain gauge theories candidate to be magnetic duals of QCD with one adjoint Weyl fermion. In the perturbative regime of the magnetic theory the existence of a very large number of fixed points is unveiled. We classify them by analyzing their basin of attraction. The existence of several nonsupersymmetric fixed points for the magnetic gauge theory lends further support towards the existence of gauge-gauge duality beyond supersymmetry. We also discover that among these very many fixed points there are supersymmetric ones emerging from a generic no…
We show that supersymmetry emerges in a large class of models in 1+1 dimensions with both Z_2 and U(1) symmetry at the multicritical point where the Ising and Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions coincide. To arrive at this result we perform a detailed renormalization group analysis of the multicritical theory including all perturbations allowed by symmetry. This analysis reveals an intricate flow with a marginally irrelevant direction that preserves part of the supersymmetry of the fixed point. The slow flow along this special line has significant consequences on the physics of the mul…
We show that one-dimensional superspace is isomorphic to a non-trivial but consistent limit as $q\to-1$ of the braided line. Supersymmetry is identified as translational invariance along this line. The supertranslation generator and covariant derivative are obtained in the limit in question as the left and right derivatives of the calculus on the braided line.
