Comments on Fractional Superstrings

TL;DR

This paper rederives fractional superstring partition functions using a factorization approach, explores the relationship between massless and massive sectors, and identifies a twist current responsible for N=1 supersymmetry.

Contribution

It systematically rederives fractional superstring partition functions and uncovers the role of a twist current in generating space-time supersymmetry.

Findings

Identified the twist current responsible for N=1 supersymmetry.

Explored the relationship between massless and massive sectors.

Analyzed properties of the massive sectors.

Abstract

Using the factorization approach of Gepner and Qiu, I systematically rederive the closed fractional superstring partition functions for K= 4, 8, and 16. For these theories the relationship between the massless graviton and gravi- tino sector and the purely massive sectors is explored. Properties of the massive sectors are investigated. A twist current in these models is found responsible for the occurrence of N=1 space-time supersymmetry. I show this twist current transforms bosonic (fermionic) projection states into fermionic (bosonic) non-projection states and vice-versa.