Hidden symmetries of supersymmetric p-form gauge theories

TL;DR

This paper explores hidden symmetries in supersymmetric p-form gauge theories, revealing their role in supersymmetry algebras, dualities, and interactions, including a specific N=2 multiplet with hidden central charges.

Contribution

It uncovers the existence and significance of hidden symmetries in supersymmetric p-form theories and introduces a new N=2 multiplet with two hidden central charges.

Findings

Hidden symmetries leave field strengths invariant on-shell

These symmetries contribute to supersymmetry algebra central charges

A new N=2 multiplet with two hidden central charges is constructed

Abstract

Field theories with p-form gauge potentials can possess ``hidden'' symmetries leaving the field strengths invariant on-shell without being gauge symmetries on-shell. The relevance of such symmetries to supersymmetric models is discussed. They provide central charges of supersymmetry algebras, play a particular role in duality relations, and lead to peculiar interactions. A multiplet of N=2 supersymmetry in four dimensions with two hidden central charges is presented.