$N=4$ super KdV equation

TL;DR

This paper constructs an $N=4$ supersymmetric KdV equation using super Virasoro algebra, explores its Hamiltonian structure, conserved charges, and reduction to an integrable $N=2$ case, highlighting its bi-Hamiltonian nature.

Contribution

It formulates the $N=4$ super KdV equation in harmonic superspace, identifies conditions for conserved charges, and links it to known integrable $N=2$ models.

Findings

Existence of conserved charges when $SU(2)$ breaking tensor is a bilinear of an $SU(2)$ vector.

Reduction to $N=2$ yields the $a=4$ integrable super KdV case.

The $N=4$ super KdV is bi-Hamiltonian, indicating integrability.

Abstract

We construct $N=4$ supersymmetric KdV equation as a hamiltonian flow on the $N=4\;SU(2)$ super Virasoro algebra. The $N=4$ KdV superfield, the hamiltonian and the related Poisson structure are concisely formulated in $1D \;N=4$ harmonic superspace. The most general hamiltonian is shown to necessarily involve $SU(2)$ breaking parameters which are combined in a traceless rank 2 $SU(2)$ tensor. First nontrivial conserved charges of $N=4$ super KdV (of dimensions 2 and 4) are found to exist if and only if the $SU(2)$ breaking tensor is a bilinear of some $SU(2)$ vector with a fixed length proportional to the inverse of the central charge of $N=4\;SU(2)$ algebra. After the reduction to $N=2$ this restricted version of $N=4$ super KdV goes over to the $a=4$ integrable case of $N=2$ super KdV and so is expected to be integrable. We show that it is bi-hamiltonian like its $N=2$ prototype.