A and B branes from N=2 superspace

We present a manifestly supersymmetric description of A and B branes on Kaehler manifolds using a completely local N=2 superspace formulation of the world-sheet nonlinear sigma-model in the presence of a boundary. In particular, we show that an N=2 superspace description of type A boundaries is possible. This leads to a concrete realization of the still poorly understood coisotropic A branes. We also discuss briefly how the superspace description of a B brane provides an efficient way to compute higher loop beta-functions. In particular, we sketch how one obtains the fourth order derivative correction to the Born-Infeld action by using a beta-function method.Comment: 8 pages, contribution to the proceedings of the Third Workshop of the RTN project 'Constituents, Fundamental Forces and Symmetries of the Universe', Valencia, October 1 - 5, 200

Extended supersymmetry of semichiral sigma model in 4D

Briefly: Using a novel $(1,1)$ superspace formulation of semichiral sigma models with $4D$ target space, we investigate if an extended supersymmetry in terms of semichirals is compatible with having a $4D$ target space with torsion. In more detail: Semichiral sigma models have $(2,2)$ supersymmetry and Generalized K\"ahler target space geometry by construction. They can also support $(4,4)$ supersymmetry and Generalized Hyperk\"ahler geometry, but when the target space is four dimensional indications are that the geometry is restricted to Hyperk\"ahler. To investigate this further, we reduce the model to $(1,1)$ superspace and construct the extra (on-shell) supersymmetries there. We then find the conditions for a lift to $(2,2)$ super space and semichiral fields to exist. Those conditions are shown to hold for Hyperk\"ahler geometries. The $SU(2)\otimes U(1)$ WZW model, which has $(4,4)$ supersymmetry and a semichiral description, is also investigated. The additional supersymmetries are found in $(1,1)$ superspace but shown {\em not} to be liftable to a $(2,2)$ semichiral formulation.Comment: 23 pages. Resubmitted after compilation problem

Generalized N=(2,2) Supersymmetric Non-Linear Sigma Models

We rewrite the N=(2,2) non-linear sigma model using auxiliary spinorial superfields defining the model on ${\cal T}\oplus^ *{\cal T}$, where ${\cal T}$ is the tangent bundle of the target space. This is motivated by possible connections to Hitchin's generalized complex structures. We find the general form of the second supersymmetry compatible with that of the original model.Comment: 13 pages, Latex Minor corrections to agree with published versio

Complex Geometry and Supersymmetry

I stress how the form of sigma models with (2, 2) supersymmetry differs depending on the number of manifest supersymmetries. The differences correspond to different aspects/formulations of Generalized K\"ahler Geometry.Comment: 9 pages, Proceedings of the Corfu Summer Institute 2011 School and Workshops on Elementary Particle Physics and Gravity September 4-18, 2011 Corfu, Greec

Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA): Technique of choice for nondestructive bulk analysis of returned comet samples

Prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is a well-developed analytical technique. The technique involves irradiation of samples in an external neutron beam from a nuclear reactor, with simultaneous counting of gamma rays produced in the sample by neutron capture. Capture of neutrons leads to excited nuclei which decay immediately with the emission of energetic gamma rays to the ground state. PGAA has several advantages over other techniques for the analysis of cometary materials: (1) It is nondestructive; (2) It can be used to determine abundances of a wide variety of elements, including most major and minor elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), volatiles (H, C, N, F, Cl, S), and some trace elements (those with high neutron capture cross sections, including B, Cd, Nd, Sm, and Gd); and (3) It is a true bulk analysis technique. Recent developments should improve the technique's sensitivity and accuracy considerably

T-duality, quotients and generalized Kahler geometry

In this paper we reopen the discussion of gauging the two-dimensional off-shell (2,2) supersymmetric sigma models written in terms of semichiral superfields. The associated target space geometry of this particular sigma model is generalized Kahler (or bi-hermitean with two non-commuting complex structures). The gauging of the isometries of the sigma model is now done by coupling the semichiral superfields to the new (2,2) semichiral vector multiplet. We show that the two moment maps together with a third function form the complete set of three Killing potentials which are associated with this gauging. We show that the Killing potentials lead to the generalized moment maps defined in the context of twisted generalized Kahler geometry. Next we address the question of the T-duality map, while keeping the (2,2) supersymmetry manifest. Using the new vector superfield in constructing the duality functional, under T-duality we swap a pair of left and right semichiral superfields by a pair of chiral and twisted chiral multiplets. We end with a discussion on quotient construction.Comment: 18 page

A Christmas hymn by Martin Luther

From heaven above\u27