Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 307 1 a Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
The Coleman–Mandula theorem says that, under its assumptions on a nontrivial analytic relativistic S-matrix and the particle spectrum, every continuous bosonic symmetry algebra is a direct sum of the Poincare algebra and an internal symmetry algebra. Supersymmetry becomes possible by weakening the assumption that the symmetry algebra is an ordinary Lie algebra: a Z2-graded Lie superalgebra admits odd generators whose bracket is an anticommutator. The Haag–Łopuszański–Sohnius theorem then classifies the allowed extension and leads to the Super-Poincaré algebra.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2025 iii Paper 307 1 i Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
Choose and left Grassmann derivatives. A consistent differential realization of four-dimensional N=1 supersymmetry isThe signs can change with the definitions of , Grassmann differentiation and the finite transformation, but these operators obey the convention-independent content of the Super-Poincaré algebra,They follow by expanding the finite transformation to first order and requiring a supersymmetry translation of the superspace coordinates.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2025 iii Paper 307 3 Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
With , define the Pauli-Lubanski pseudovector byFor a translation and a Lorentz transformation , a left-handed Weyl spinor transforms asEquivalently, the active field at a fixed point uses .
The Clebsch-Gordan decomposition isIndeed,The symmetric spinor is the representation, while its antisymmetric part is the Lorentz scalar .
In the conventions used below, the nonzero brackets involving the supercharges areand . These equations, together with the Poincare algebra, are the four-dimensional Super-Poincaré algebra without central charges.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2025 iii Paper 307 3 vi Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
The antisymmetric transforms as a Lorentz tensor, so its complete contractionis a Lorentz scalar. HenceParts ii and v give . It therefore commutes with every generator of the Super-Poincaré algebra and is a Casimir element, called the superspin Casimir.
Supermultiplet 2026-09-24
A supermultiplet is an irreducible representation of the Super-Poincaré algebra. Conserved supercharges pair its bosonic and fermionic states at equal four-momentum.