Superfield Lagrangian Quantization with Extended BRST Symmetry

TL;DR

This paper develops a superfield formulation of extended BRST symmetry for gauge theories, ensuring gauge-independence of the S-matrix through a unique superfield representation compatible with supertranslations.

Contribution

It introduces a specific superfield representation of extended BRST symmetry that guarantees gauge-independence, advancing the theoretical framework of gauge theory quantization.

Findings

Only one superfield choice is compatible with extended BRST symmetry.

The superfield realization leads to gauge-independent S-matrix.

The approach clarifies the algebraic structure of superfield representations.

Abstract

We consider possible superfield representations of extended BRST symmetry for general gauge theories within the principle of gauge-fixing based on a generating equation for the gauge functional. We examine admissible superfield choices for an extended antibracket and delta-operator with given algebraic properties and show that only one of these choices is compatible with the requirement of extended BRST symmetry realized in terms of supertranslations along Grassmann coordinates. We demonstrate that this realization leads to the gauge-independence of the S-matrix.