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.     

Analytic expressions for singular vectors of theN=2 superconformal algebra

Using explicit expressions for a class of singular vectors of theN=2 (untwisted) algebra and following the approach of Malikov-Feigin-Fuchs and Kent, we show that the analytically extended Verma modules contain two linearly independent neutral singular vectors at the same grade. We construct this two dimensional space and we identify the singular vectors of the original Verma modules. We show that in some Verma modules these expressions lead to two linearly independent singular vectors which are at the same grade and have the same charge.     

N=2 extended superconformal algebra with “central” charges

We show how central charges may be incorporated in a superconformal (D = 4) algebra for N = 2. The charges are no longer truly central and so are at variance with the well-known theorems on (super-) symmetries of the S-matrix. We discuss the possible relevance of the algebra and justify our interest in it.     

Nonlocal current algebra and N = 2 superconformal field theory in two dimensions

We present a new construction of the unitary highest weight representations of the N = 2 superconformal algebras in two dimensions. This construction is based on the non-local current in the Z_N conformal theory and a free scalar field. It provides a physical realization of all the unitary N = 2 superconformal field theories by critical systems. The correlation functions of the theories can be calculated through this construction.     

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).     

Families of singular and subsingular vectors of the topological N = 2 superconformal algebra

We analyze several issues concerning the singular vectors of the topological N = 2 superconformal algebra. First we investigate which types of singular vectors exist, regarding the relative U(1) charge and the BRST-invariance properties, finding four different types in chiral Verma modules and twenty-nine different types in complete Verma modules. Then we study the family structure of the singular vectors, every member of a family being mapped to any other member by a chain of simple transformations involving the spectral flows. The families of singular vectors in chiral Verma modules follow a unique pattern (four vectors) and contain subsingular vectors. We write down these families until level 3, identifying the subsingular vectors. The families of singular vectors in complete Verma modules follow infinitely many different patterns, grouped roughly in five main kinds. We present a particularly interesting thirty-eight-member family at levels 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as the complete set of singular vectors at level 1 (twenty-eight different types). Finally we analyze the Dörrzapf conditions leading to two linearly independent singular vectors of the same type, at the same level in the same Verma module, and we write down four examples of those pairs of singular vectors, which belong to the same thirty-eight-member family.     

Construction ofN = 2 superconformal algebra from affine algebras with extended symmetry: I

The purpose of this Letter is to use the idea of the Sugawara-Ka-Todorov construction of theN = 0 andN = 1 superconformal algebras to construct a very simple free-field realization of theN = 2 superconformal algebra.     

Quantum deformedsu(m/n) algebra and superconformal algebra on quantum superspace

We study a deformedsu(m/n) algebra on a quantum superspace. Some interesting aspects of the deformed algebra are shown. As an application of the deformed algebra we construct a deformed superconformal algebra. From the deformedsu(1/4) algebra, we derive deformed Lorentz, translation of Minkowski space,iso(2, 2) and its supersymmetric algebras as closed subalgebras with consistent automorphisms.     

N = 2 superconformal algebra and integrable O(2) fermionic extensions of the Korteweg-de Vries equation

The N = 2 superconformal algebra is shown to be related to the second hamiltonian structure of three integrable fermionic extensions of the Korteweg-de Vries equation. One of these systems is bi-hamiltonian but not supersymmetric while the reverse is true for the other two.     

Unitarity of rationalN = 2 superconformal theories

We demonstrate that all rational models of theN = 2 super Virasoro algebra are unitary. Our arguments are based on three different methods: we determine Zhu’s algebraA(H₀) (for which we give a physically motivated derivation) explicitly for certain theories, we analyse the modular properties of some of the vacuum characters, and we use the coset realisation of the algebra in terms ofsu(2) and two free fermions. Some of our arguments generalise to the Kazama-Suzuki models indicating that all rationalN = 2 supersymmetric models might be unitary.     

Types of two-dimensionalN = 4 superconformal field theories

Various types ofN = 4 superconformal symmetries in two dimensions are considered. It is proposed that apart from the well-known cases ofSU (2)and SU(2) × SU(2) ×U (1), their Kac-Moody symmetry can also be SU(2) × (U (1))⁴. Operator product expansions for the last case are derived. A complete free field realization for the same is obtained