Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2016 iii Paper 307 1 v Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-06
Use left Grassmann derivatives and place the odd constant transformation parameters on the left. A scalar superfield transformation can be writtenEquivalently, pull back the scalar function under the infinitesimal superspace translationThe term involving has the displayed sign because interchanging it with reverses the sign in the Grassmann algebra. Overall factors of in the definition of the supercharges can be changed together without changing this coordinate transformation.
For two even scalar superfields , the odd generators obey the graded Leibniz rule, while the full parameter-weighted variation is even. ThusThis is precisely the transformation of a product of scalar superfields. The finite version is even clearer: if and for the same transformed superspace point, then . No new representation law is required.
The expression needs a distinction between a configuration and a closed field content. As a function on superspace, it is a valid special configuration of an unconstrained superfield. But its variation isFor nonconstant , this generates nonzero components depending on Grassmann variables. Therefore the pure-scalar truncation is not a supersymmetric multiplet: an isolated spacetime scalar field with all its partners permanently set to zero is not closed under supersymmetry. This is the pure-scalar truncation of a superfield. A constant gauge-singlet is the trivial invariant exception. Calling a special superfield configuration is consistent; claiming that its restricted field content remains a superfield representation is not.