Superfield Approach to Symmetries for Matter Fields in Abelian Gauge Theories

R. P. Malik

Published 2003-11-21, updated 2004-04-28Version 4

The derivation of the nilpotent (anti-)BRST symmetries for the matter fields, present in any arbitrary interacting gauge theory, has been an long-standing problem in the framework of superfield approach to BRST formalism. These nilpotent (anti-)BRST symmetries for the Dirac fields are derived in the superfield formulation for the interacting Abelian gauge theory in four $(3 + 1)$-dimensions (4D) of spacetime. The same type of symmetries are deduced for the 4D complex scalar fields having a gauge invariant interaction with the U(1) gauge field. The above interacting theories are considered on the six $(4 + 2)$-dimensional supermanifold parametrized by four {\it even} spacetime coordinates and a couple of {\it odd} elements of the Grassmann algebra. The invariance of the conserved matter (super)currents and the horizontality condition on the (super)manifolds play very important roles in the above derivations. The geometrical origin and interpretation for all the above off-shell nilpotent symmetries are provided in the framework of superfield formalism.