Consistent and covariant anomalies in six-dimensional supergravity

TL;DR

This paper clarifies the nature of anomalies in six-dimensional (1,0) supergravity, emphasizing the distinction between gauge and gravitational anomalies and presenting a covariant formulation of the theory.

Contribution

It demonstrates how to formulate six-dimensional supergravity with covariant anomalies and clarifies the role of tensor-vector couplings and energy-momentum divergence.

Findings

Tensor-vector couplings contribute only to gauge anomalies

Energy-momentum tensor divergence is non-vanishing

Covariant formulation of anomalies in supergravity

Abstract

In this note we clarify some issues in six-dimensional (1,0) supergravity coupled to vector and tensor multiplets. In particular, we show that, while the low-energy equations embody tensor-vector couplings that contribute only to gauge anomalies, the divergence of the energy-momentum tensor is properly non-vanishing. In addition, we show how to revert to a supersymmetric formulation in terms of covariant non-integrable field equations that embody corresponding covariant anomalies.