N=8 Supergravity: Maximal Supergravity Explained

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SUMMARY

N=8 supergravity is defined as a maximal supergravity theory with 32 supersymmetries, applicable in four-dimensional spacetime. This classification arises because theories with N greater than 8 introduce particles with spins exceeding 2, which are not well-defined. The relationship between the number of supersymmetries and the dimensionality of spinors leads to the conclusion that N=8 corresponds to 32 real supercharges. Ongoing discussions highlight the need for comprehensive lists of supergravity (SUGRA) theories detailing particle content, chiral structure, and their ability to reproduce the Standard Model.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of supergravity theories and their classifications
  • Familiarity with supersymmetry and its implications in theoretical physics
  • Knowledge of particle physics, particularly regarding spin and particle content
  • Basic concepts of string theory and its low-energy limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the classification of supergravity theories based on N and D dimensions
  • Examine the particle content and chiral structure of N=8 supergravity
  • Investigate the relationship between supergravity theories and the Standard Model
  • Explore ongoing research regarding the finiteness of supergravity theories
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Theoretical physicists, researchers in high-energy physics, and students studying supergravity and supersymmetry will benefit from this discussion.

isospin
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Provided that no particles have spins higher than 2, maximal supergravities are defined to be with supergravities with 32 supersymmetries.
Why is the N=8 supergravity in four dimensions called 'the maximal supergravity'? I am confused now...
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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Not an expert, but from what I've been told the N>8 supergravity theories always contain particles with spin > 2. And these are not well-defined.
 
Thanks for your reply. However, I am not sure whether it's right.
Another answer, which may be wrong, is that in four dimensions the spinors are 4-dimensional, then one could obtain 4*8=32 for the N=8 case.
But what does it mean, and why Is it in accordance with the 32 real supercharges?
xepma said:
Not an expert, but from what I've been told the N>8 supergravity theories always contain particles with spin > 2. And these are not well-defined.
 
Is there a list of SUGRA theories (in terms of N and D) from which the following information follows
- particle content
- chiral structure
- able to reproduce the standard model (gauge fields, fermion generations, higgs)
- finiteness (I think there are no rigorous proofs but ongoing research programs)
- low-energy limit of some string theory
 
Last edited:
I simply ask the same questions a second time - hope somebody will read and provide answers - thanks :-)

tom.stoer said:
Is there a list of SUGRA theories (in terms of N and D) from which the following information follows
- particle content
- chiral structure
- able to reproduce the standard model (gauge fields, fermion generations, higgs)
- finiteness (I think there are no rigorous proofs but ongoing research programs)
- low-energy limit of some string theory
 

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