Untwisting Topological Field Theories

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that topological conformal field theories can be derived from N=2 superconformal theories through twisting, revealing a hidden symmetry structure in such theories.

Contribution

It provides strong evidence that any topological conformal field theory can be obtained by twisting an N=2 superconformal theory, linking two important classes of theories.

Findings

Evidence from string theory calculations supports the conjecture.

Twisting N=2 superconformal theories yields topological conformal field theories.

The work clarifies the relationship between topological and superconformal theories.

Abstract

A method is presented by which a hidden N=2 superconformal symmetry can be exhibited in a string theory or indeed in a topological conformal field theory. More precisely, we present strong evidence, based on calculations with string theories, in favour of the conjecture that any topological conformal field theory can be obtained by twisting an N=2 superconformal field theory. (Talk given at the Workshop on Gauge Theories, Applied Supersymmetry and Quantum Gravity held at Imperial College, London, 5-10 July 1996.)