Will the Real 4D, N=1 SG Limit of Superstring/M-Theory Please Stand Up?

TL;DR

This paper explores a supergravity formalism that unifies key features of string theory, including supersymmetry, anomaly cancellation, and dilaton dynamics, through the beta-function-favored constraint approach.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the bffc supergravity formalism can incorporate multiple fundamental string theory features simultaneously, providing a promising framework for superstring/M-theory.

Findings

Unifies supergravity with string theory features

Incorporates Green-Schwarz mechanism within supergravity

Allows for supersymmetry breaking and dilaton superpotential

Abstract

At the component-level we study the `beta-function-favored constraint' (bffc) formalism, suggested in 1988 as the most natural formulation for supergravity derived from more fundamental theories. We begin with the suggestion that \bffc supergravity be identified with new minimal supergravity together with an additional chiral compensator multiplet. After $U_{\rm A}(1)$symmetry breaking, the non-propagating axion 2-form of new minimal supergravity becomes the propagating axion 2-form required by string theory. The final form of the theory is seen to uniquely allow four simultaneous features: (i) local supersymmetry, (ii) implementation of the Green-Schwarz mechanism, (iii) a supersymmetry-breaking order parameter chiral superfield, and (iv) a dilaton superpotential.