Derivative corrections in 10-dimensional super-Maxwell theory

TL;DR

This paper constructs the supersymmetric effective action at order alpha'^4 for abelian open superstring theory, including derivative corrections and analyzing supersymmetry properties and coefficient ambiguities.

Contribution

It provides the explicit form of the alpha'^4 effective action with derivative corrections and discusses supersymmetry and coefficient ambiguities at this order.

Findings

Includes alpha'^4 terms in the abelian Born-Infeld action

Identifies the leading derivative correction d^4F^4 and its fermionic partners

Discusses the arbitrary coefficients and their potential fate at higher orders

Abstract

We construct the supersymmetric effective action at order alpha'^4 of the abelian open superstring. It includes the alpha'^4 terms in the abelian Born-Infeld action, and in particular the leading derivative correction of the form d^4F^4. Besides linear supersymmetry this sector of the open string effective action also has a nonlinear supersymmetry. The terms d^4F^4 and their fermionic partners have an arbitrary coefficient, and we discuss the possible fate of such coefficients when higher orders in alpha' are included.