The N=1 superstring as a topological field theory

TL;DR

This paper explores how the N=1 superstring can be viewed as a topological field theory by analyzing its underlying algebraic structure after a specific transformation.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the N=1 superstring contains a topological twisted N=2 algebra, providing new insights into its theoretical structure.

Findings

Identification of a topological twisted N=2 algebra within the superstring

Clarification of the superstring's topological properties after untwisting

Potential implications for understanding superstring theory's mathematical framework

Abstract

By "untwisting" the construction of Berkovits and Vafa, one can see that the N=1 superstring contains a topological twisted N=2 algebra, with central charge c^ = 2. We discuss to what extent the superstring is actually a topological theory.