On Extensions of Superconformal Algebras

Jasbir Nagi

Published 2004-12-07, updated 2005-03-31Version 3

Starting from vector fields that preserve a differential form on a Riemann sphere with Grassmann variables, one can construct a Superconformal Algebra by considering central extensions of the algebra of vector fields. In this note, the N=4 case is analyzed closely, where the presence of weight zero operators in the field theory forces the introduction of non-central extensions. How this modifies the existing Field Theory, Representation Theory and Gelfand-Fuchs constructions is discussed. It is also discussed how graded Riemann sphere geometry can be used to give a geometrical description of the central charge in the N=1 theory.