Singular Dimensions¶of the N= 2 Superconformal Algebras II:¶The Twisted N= 2 Algebra

We introduce a suitable adapted ordering for the twisted N= 2 superconformal algebra (i.e. with mixed boundary conditions for the fermionic fields). We show that the ordering kernels for complete Verma modules have two elements and the ordering kernels for G-closed Verma modules just one. Therefore, spaces of singular vectors may be two-dimensional for complete Verma modules whilst for G-closed Verma modules they can only be one-dimensional. We give all singular vectors for the levels , 1, and for both complete Verma modules and G-closed Verma modules. We also give explicit examples of degenerate cases with two-dimensional singular vector spaces in complete Verma modules. General expressions are conjectured for the relevant terms of all (primitive) singular vectors, i.e. for the coefficients with respect to the ordering kernel. These expressions allow to identify all degenerate cases as well as all G-closed singular vectors. They also lead to the discovery of subsingular vectors for the twisted N= 2 superconformal algebra. Explicit examples of these subsingular vectors are given for the levels , 1, and . Finally, the multiplication rules for singular vector operators are derived using the ordering kernel coefficients. This sets the basis for the analysis of the twisted N= 2 embedding diagrams. Received: Received: 15 March 1999 / Accepted: 12 November 2000     

The superconformal algebra in higher dimensions

The superconformal algebra for 4/4N-dimensional super-Minkowski space (d=4) can be identified with the simple superalgebra su (2,2/N). For even-dimension d=5,6 the superconformal algebra can be identified with a real form of the simple superalgebras F(4), D(4,1) respectively in Kac's classification. For even-dimension d>-7 it is impossible to define a superconformal algebra satisfying three natural conditions: (1) it acts as infinitesimal automorphisms on super-Minkowski space; (2) this action extends the natural action of the super-Poincaré algebra; (3) when the action of the even part of the superconformal algebra is reduced to an infinitesimal action on ordinary Minkowski space, it extends the natural action of the conformal algebra so (2, d).     

Representation Theory of the Affine Lie Superalgebra at Fractional Level

N= 2 noncritical strings are closely related to the Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten model, and there is much hope to further probe the former by using the algebraic apparatus provided by the latter. An important ingredient is the precise knowledge of the representation theory at fractional level. In this paper, the embedding diagrams of singular vectors appearing in Verma modules for fractional values of the level (, p and q coprime) are derived analytically. The nilpotency of the fermionic generators in $\hslc$ requires the introduction of a nontrivial generalisation of the MFF construction to relate singular vectors among themselves. The diagrams reveal a striking similarity with the degenerate representations of the N= 2 superconformal algebra. Received: 10 June 1996\,/\,Accepted: 8 October 1996     

Singular Dimensions of the¶N= 2 Superconformal Algebras. I

Verma modules of superconfomal algebras can have singular vector spaces with dimensions greater than 1. Following a method developed for the Virasoro algebra by Kent, we introduce the concept of adapted orderings on superconformal algebras. We prove several general results on the ordering kernels associated to the adapted orderings and show that the size of an ordering kernel implies an upper limit for the dimension of a singular vector space. We apply this method to the topological N= 2 algebra and obtain the maximal dimensions of the singular vector spaces in the topological Verma modules: 0, 1, 2 or 3 depending on the type of Verma module and the type of singular vector. As a consequence we prove the conjecture of Gato-Rivera and Rosado on the possible existing types of topological singular vectors (4 in chiral Verma modules and 29 in complete Verma modules). Interestingly, we have found two-dimensional spaces of singular vectors at level 1. Finally, by using the topological twists and the spectral flows, we also obtain the maximal dimensions of the singular vector spaces for the Neveu–Schwarz N= 2 algebra (0, 1 or 2) and for the Ramond N= 2 algebra (0, 1, 2 or 3). Received: 19 August 1998 / Accepted: 15 March 1999     

General construction for topological singular vectors

A general construction is found for “topological” singular vectors (BRST-invariant singular vectors of the twisted N=2 superconformal algebra which are constructed over chiral primary states). The new construction, employed in parallel with the well-known MFF construction for the singular vectors of the sℓ(2) Kac-Moody algebra, implements an isomorphism of topological and sℓ(2)-singular vectors. Pis’ma Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 63, No. 2, 129–134 (25 January 1996)     

Algebraic structure of topological superconformal field theory on Riemann surfaces

The algebraic structure of a topological superconformal field theory on a compact Riemann surface is investigated. The Krichever-Novikov [K-N] global operator formalism is used to obtain anN=4 super K-N algebra on a Riemann surface. Subsequently thisN=4 algebra is shown to posses anN=3 K-N subalgebra. TheN=3 subalgebra is then twisted to derive a topological version of the Krichever-Novikov algebra with a residualN=2 superconformal structure. The BRST charge of the associated topological field theory on the Riemann surface is shown to be genus dependent in this formalism and the global generalization of the BRST derivative conditions are obtained. The complete BRST structure of the theory is explicitly elucidated.     

Determinant formula for the topological N = 2 superconformal algebra

The Kac determinant for the topological N = 2 superconformal algebra is presented as well as a detailed analysis of the singular vectors detected by the roots of the determinants. In addition we identify the standard Verma modules containing ‘no-label’ singular vectors (which are not detected directly by the roots of the determinants). We show that in standard Verma modules there are (at least) four different types of submodules, regarding size and shape. We also review the chiral determinant formula, for chiral Verma modules, adding new insights. Finally we transfer the results obtained to the Verma modules and singular vectors of the Ramond N = 2 algebra, which have been very poorly studied so far. This work clarifies several misconceptions and confusing claims appeared in the literature about the singular vectors, Verma modules and submodules of the topological N = 2 superconformal algebra.     

Unitary construction of extended conformal algebras

Particular examples and the general structure of extended conformal symmetries in coset conformal field theories are discussed. Discrete series of unitary representations, whose existence had been previously conjectured, are constructed for a class of extended conformal algebras introduced by Fateev and Zamolodchikov (FZ). The construction is a generalisation of the coset construction of the discrete series for the superconformal algebra using the coset spaces so(N) ⊕ su(N)/so(N), for fixed N. The N = 3 series is the FZ S₃ algebra and the N = 4 series consists of two commuting copies of the superconformal algebra. A general method for analysing the extended conformal symmetries present in a particular coset theory and of constructing discrete series of representations of extended symmetry algebras is outlined.     

Superconformal transformations of theN = 2,D = 4, SSYM

We obtain the superconformal transformation laws for theN=2,D=4 SSYM. The transformations involve Yang-Mills fields and the corresponding field strength tensor is not constrained to be self antidual. We explicitly demonstrate the closure of the superconformal algebra.     

Mirror Symmetry on Kummer Type <Emphasis Type="Italic">K</Emphasis>3 Surfaces

We investigate both geometric and conformal field theoretic aspects of mirror symmetry on N=(4,4) superconformal field theories with central charge c=6. Our approach enables us to determine the action of mirror symmetry on (non-stable) singular fibers in elliptic fibrations of _N orbifold limits of K3. The resulting map gives an automorphism of order 4,8, or 12, respectively, on the smooth universal covering space of the moduli space. We explicitly derive the geometric counterparts of the twist fields in our orbifold conformal field theories. The classical McKay correspondence allows for a natural interpretation of our results.     

Vertex Algebras,Mirror Symmetry,and D-Branes: The Case of Complex Tori

 A vertex algebra is an algebraic counterpart of a two-dimensional conformal field theory. We give a new definition of a vertex algebra which includes chiral algebras as a special case, but allows for fields which are neither meromorphic nor anti-meromorphic. To any complex torus equipped with a flat K?hler metric and a closed 2-form we associate an N=2 superconformal vertex algebra (N=2 SCVA) in the sense of our definition. We find a criterion for two different tori to produce isomorphic N=2 SCVA's. We show that for algebraic tori the isomorphism of N=2 SCVA's implies the equivalence of the derived categories of coherent sheaves corresponding to the tori or their noncommutative generalizations (Azumaya algebras over tori). We also find a criterion for two different tori to produce N=2 SCVA's related by a mirror morphism. If the 2-form is of type (1,1), this condition is identical to the one proposed by Golyshev, Lunts, and Orlov, who used an entirely different approach inspired by the Homological Mirror Symmetry Conjecture of Kontsevich. Our results suggest that Kontsevich's conjecture must be modified: coherent sheaves must be replaced with modules over Azumaya algebras, and the Fukaya category must be ``twisted' by a closed 2-form. We also describe the implications of our results for BPS D-branes on Calabi-Yau manifolds. Received: 3 May 2001 / Accepted: 17 August 2002 Published online: 8 January 2003     

Strings fromN=2 gauged Wess-Zumino-Witten models

We present an algebraic approach to string theory. An embedding ofsl(2|1) in a super Lie algebra together with a grading on the Lie algebra determines a nilpotent subalgebra of the super Lie algebra. Chirally gauging this subalgebra in the corresponding Wess-Zumino-Witten model, breaks the affine symmetry of the Wess-Zumino-Witten model to some extension of theN=2 superconformal algebra. The extension is completely determined by thesl(2|1) embedding. The realization of the superconformal algebra is determined by the grading. For a particular choice of grading, one obtains in this way, after twisting, the BRST structure of a string theory. We classify all embeddings ofsl(2|1) into Lie super algebras and give a detailed account of the branching of the adjoint representation. This provides an exhaustive classification and characterization of both all extendedN=2 superconformal algebras and all string theories which can be obtained in this way.     

A newN= 6 superconformal algebra

In this paper we construct a newN = 6 superconformal algebra which extends the Virasoro algebra by theSO ₆ current algebra, by 6 odd primary fields of conformal weight 3/2 and by 10 odd primary fields of conformal weight 1/2. The commutation relations of this algebra, which we will refer to asCK ₆, are represented by short distance operator product expansions (OPE). We constructCK ₆, as a subalgebra of theSO(6) superconformal algebra K₆, thus giving it a natural representation as first order differential operators on the circle withN = 6 extended symmetry. We show thatCK ₆ has no nontrivial central extensions. Partially supported by NSC grant 85-2121-M-006-019 of the ROC. Partially supported by NSF grant DMS-9622870.     

Inverse backscattering in two dimensions

We interpretN=2 superconformal field theories (SCFTs) formulated by Kazama and Suzuki via Goddard-Kent-Olive (GKO) construction from a viewpoint of the Lie algebra cohomology theory for the affine Lie algebra. We determine the cohomology group completely in terms of a certain subset of the affine Weyl group. We find that this subset describing the cohomology group can be obtained from its classical counterpart by the action of the Dynkin diagram automorphisms. Some algebra automorphisms of theN=2 superconformal algebra are also formulated. Utilizing the algebra automorphisms, we study the field identification problem for the branching coefficient modules in the GKO-construction. Also the structure of the Poincaré polynomial defined for eachN=2 theory is revealed.Dedicated to Professor Noboru Tanaka on his sixtieth birthday     

Fusion rings and geometry

The algebraic structure of fusion rings in rational conformal field theories is analyzed in detail in this paper. A formalism which closely parallels classical tools in the study of the cohomology of homogeneous spaces is developed for fusion rings, in general, and for current algebra theories, in particular. It is shown that fusion rings lead to a natural orthogonal polynomial structure. The rings are expressed through generators and relations. The relations are then derived from some potentials leading to an identification of the fusion rings with deformations of affine varieties. In general, the fusion algebras are mapped to affine varieties which are the locus of the relations. The connection with modular transformations is investigated in this picture. It is explained how chiral algebras, arising inN=2 superconformal field theory, can be derived from fusion rings. In particular, it is argued that theories of the typeSU(N) _k /SU(n–1) are theN=2 counterparts of Grassmann manifolds and that there is a natural identification of the chiral fields with Schubert varieties, which is a graded algebra isomorphism.Supported in part by NSF grant PHY 89-04035 supplemented by funds from NASA     

N=2 affine superalgebras and Hamiltonian reduction inN=2 superspace

We constructN=2 affine current algebras for the superalgebrassl(n/n-1)⁽¹⁾ in terms ofN=2 supercurrents subjected to nonlinear constraints and discuss the general procedure of the hamiltonian reduction inN=2 superspace at the classical level. We consider in detail the simplest case ofN=2sl(2/1)⁽¹⁾ and show howN=2 superconformal algebra inN=2 superspace follows via the hamiltonian reduction. Applying the hamiltonian reduction to the case ofN=2sl(3/2)⁽¹⁾, we find two new extendedN=2 superconformal algebras in a manifestly supersymmetricN=2 superfield form. Decoupling of four component currents of dimension 1/2 in them yields, respectively,u(2/1) andu(3) Knizhnik-Bershadsky superconformal algebras. We also discuss how theN=2 superfield formulations ofN=2W ₃ andN=2W ₃ ⁽²⁾ superconformal algebras come out in this framework, as well as some unusual extendedN=2 superconformal algebras containing constrainedN=2 stress tensor and/or spin 0 supercurrents.     

Structure constants for the osp(1|2) current algebra

We study the free field realization of the two-dimensional osp(1|2) current algebra. We consider the case in which the level of the affine osp(1|2) symmetry is a positive integer. Using the Coulomb gas technique we obtain integral representations for the conformal blocks of the model. In particular, from the behaviour of the four-point function, we extract the structure constants for the product of two arbitrary primary operators of the theory. From this result we derive the fusion rules of the osp(1|2) conformal field theory and we explore the connections between the osp(1|2) affine symmetry and the N = 1 superconformal field theories.     

More about superconformal field theory. Hamiltonian formalism

The Hamiltonian formalism for theN=1,d=4 superconformal system is given. The first-order formalism is found by starting from the canonical covariant one. As the conformal supergravity is a higher-derivative theory, to analyze the second-order Hamiltonian formalism the Ostrogradski transformation is introduced to define canonical momenta.     

Extended super-Kač-Moody algebras and their super-derivation algebras

We study theN-extended super-Ka-Moody algebras, i.e. extensions of the Lie algebra of the loop group over the super-circleA _N . The extensions are characterized by 2-cocycles which are computed in terms of the cyclic cohomology of the Grassmann algebra withN generators. The graded algebra of super-derivations compatible with each extension is determined. The casesN=1,2,3 are examined in detail and their relation with the Ademollo et al. superconformal algebras is discussed. We examine the possibility of defining new superconformal algebras which, forN>1, generalize theN=1 Ramond-Neveu-Schwarz algebra.