What is Supersymmetry? Is it something real? If not, can it be useful in any way? This book, structured as a textbook for a one semester graduate course on supersymmetry, provides an introduction to this fascinating subject and seeks to answer these questions.
Theoretically inclined in its contents, the book can be divided into three parts. The first part introduces the supersymmetry algebra and its representations, and provides a detailed description of the superfield formalism. The second part focuses on the construction of supersymmetric field theories; it includes an overview on non-renormalization theorems, the analysis of several examples of tree-level supersymmetry breaking and a discussion of the basic structure of supersymmetric models for describing physics beyond the Standard Model. The third part discusses the quantum behavior of supersymmetric (gauge) theories, in which holomorphy and dualities play a prominent role. The reader will become familiar with topics like Seiberg duality, dynamical supersymmetry breaking (both in stable and metastable vacua), Seiberg-Witten theory, Argyres-Douglas fixed points, S-duality and more. Several exercises at the end of each chapter will allow readers to test their understanding, discuss some extensions, or prove statements from the main text.
Contents:
- Preface
- Foreword
- Supersymmetry: A Bird's Eye View
- The Supersymmetry Algebra
- Representations of the Supersymmetry Algebra
- Superspace and Superfields
- Supersymmetric Actions: Minimal Supersymmetry
- Supersymmetric Actions: Extended Supersymmetry
- Spontaneous Supersymmetry Breaking
- Supersymmetric Extensions of the Standard Model
- Non-perturbative Effects and Holomorphy
- Supersymmetric Gauge Dynamics: Minimal Supersymmetry
- Dynamical Supersymmetry Breaking
- Supersymmetric Gauge Dynamics: Extended Supersymmetry
- Index
Readership: Graduate and advanced undergraduate students in physics. Researchers and practitioners in the fields of high-energy physics and mathematical physics.
Matteo Bertolini obtained his PhD in theoretical physics at SISSA, in 1999. After covering postdoctoral positions at NORDITA and NBI in Copenhagen, he joined SISSA, where he currently is full professor in theoretical physics. For his research in string theory, supergravity and in particular the gauge/gravity duality, he received the 2005 prize in Physics by Le Science (Italian edition of Scientific American).
'In this unique and comprehensive textbook on supersymmetry, Matteo Bertolini provides an excellent foundation for this important and beautiful development in high energy physics. The text is written in an inviting style, striking a delicate balance between theoretical rigor and accessibility. Since the material spans from the basics all the way to some of the most advanced and fascinating applications, it is an excellent resource for both newcomers and experts alike.' - Niels Obers Professor & Deputy Head of Department, Niels Bohr Institute, Denmark
'A book like this is long overdue. Professor Bertolini's lectures on the subject are already one of the standard places that students go to. It would be very nice to see a published book version.' - David Tong Professor of Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, UK
'Supersymmetry is a captivating concept that proposes a hidden symmetry between all the known particles and their yet undiscovered superpartners. In this book, Prof. Matteo Bertolini, a leading expert in the field, shares his extensive knowledge and pedagogy from teaching supersymmetry at SISSA for over two decades. He introduces the reader to the foundations and methods of constructing supersymmetric theories, and unveils their remarkable implications. He demonstrates how supersymmetry can be dynamically broken, how it can be used to determine the infrared dynamics of strongly interacting systems, and how it might manifest itself in nature. This book is an invaluable source of insights and an essential reading for anyone who wants to delve into the theoretical and phenomenological aspects of supersymmetry.' - Zohar Komargodski Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Stony Brook University, USA
'The book offers a remarkably pedagogical treatment covering an impressive list of topics in supersymmetry, from the basics to advanced topics such as non-perturbative dualities, supersymmetry breaking and Seiberg-Witten theory. Overall, a highly recommended book for beginners interested in acquiring a very complete training in supersymmetry and supersymmetric field theories, providing them the expertise to follow modern research results.' - Angel M Uranga Research Professor, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Spain
'This book covers both basic and established ingredients, as well as more advanced and modern topics with pristine clarity and enough details for both first time readers as well as for experts, so that everyone can profit from the text as an introduction to the subject or as a useful reference. While the 'standard material' is present in many other books, it is not always as detailed and clear as in this one. The more advanced topics can be found in some review articles, but more rarely on books and their selection is done such that the material covers efficiently an introductory course on supersymmetry with the ambition to give the student the required preparation to start doing research on this branch of physics.' - Gianguido Dall'Agata Professor of Theoretical Physics, University of Padova, Italy
