= Partial derivatives and superfield covariance
A <supersymmetry transformation> mixes the bosonic and odd coordinates of <superspace>. A bare derivative with respect to an odd coordinate therefore acquires a spacetime-derivative term under the coordinate Jacobian and is not a covariant spinor <superfield>. <Supersymmetric covariant derivatives> add terms linear in the other odd coordinate; their graded anticommutation with the <supercharges> makes their application to a scalar <superfield> transform covariantly.
Back to article page
