On supergravity theories, after ~40 years

TL;DR

This paper provides an introductory review of supergravity theories, focusing on fundamental concepts, technical aspects, and specific models within four-dimensional space-time, after approximately 40 years of development.

Contribution

It offers a partial review emphasizing concepts and technical details, including derivations and couplings in N=1 supergravity, highlighting recent perspectives after four decades.

Findings

Derivation of the simplest N=1 supergravity theory

Discussion of matter-supergravity couplings and scalar sectors

Analysis of simple supergravity models

Abstract

An introduction to and a partial review of supergravity theories is given, insisting on concepts and on some important technical aspects. Topics covered include elements of global supersymmetry, a derivation of the simplest N=1 supergravity theory, a discussion of N=1 matter-supergravity couplings, of the scalar sector and of some simple models. Space-time is four-dimensional.