Supersymmetric Lagrangian Transformation (Grassmann Numbers)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the transformation of a Lagrangian involving Grassmann numbers, specifically examining the terms W'' W' (ψ^*ε^* + εψ) and W'' W' (ψ^*ε^* - ψε). The Superpotential W is a function of the spatial coordinate x, while ψ represents the Superspace coordinate and ε is a Grassmann parameter. The user is investigating whether these two terms cancel each other out, concluding that they likely do not cancel based on the context of their derivation from the Lagrangian on page 5 of the referenced source.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics
  • Familiarity with Grassmann numbers and their properties
  • Knowledge of supersymmetry concepts
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions involving derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lagrangian in the document from Columbia University on supersymmetry
  • Explore the properties and applications of Grassmann numbers in quantum field theory
  • Investigate the implications of total time derivatives in Lagrangian transformations
  • Learn about the role of the Superpotential in supersymmetric theories
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, particularly those specializing in theoretical physics, quantum field theory, and supersymmetry, will benefit from this discussion as it delves into advanced concepts related to Lagrangian transformations and Grassmann numbers.

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I've been tasked with showing that a Lagrangian under a set of transformations changes by a time derivative. All has gone well, except I'm left with two remaining terms, that I am completely confident, aren't there by mistake (as the 16 terms that should be expected have all popped out with the correct signs etc).

The two terms, I believe, probably cancel but I don't just want to speculate. Anyway, the two terms that remain are,

[tex]W'' W' (ψ^*ε^* + εψ)[/tex]

where W is the Superpotential (primes representing derivatives, w.r.t x) as a function of the spatial co-ordinate x. ψ represents the Superspace co-ordinate and epsilon represents the small change Grassmann parameter relevant to our transformation. Stars represent complex conjugates.

Now, I will also add that ψ is a Grassmann number so we can rewrite the terms such that,

[tex]W'' W' (ψ^*ε^* - ψε)[/tex]

So, briefly put, do these two terms cancel one another out? If so, why?

(also, please do not delete my post for not following the template, I didn't find it necessary given that this is quite a small scale question)

Thanks for your time, Physics forum!
 
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Ok... after some thought I don't think they can cancel in this way (or the rest of what I have done wouldn't make sense).

Anyway, instead of writing everything out in full, I'm basically working the Lagrangian on page 5 of this source http://www.phys.columbia.edu/~kabat/susy/susyQM.pdf and using the transforms also on the bottom of page 6.

The terms above come from the final term of the Lagrangian, i.e.

[itex]ψ^*ψW''[/itex]

The the 3rd and 7th terms when multiplying out the brackets. As I mentioned before, everything else canceled out in the calculation or was used to show that the change in the Lagrangian is a total time derivative, I was simply left with the aforementioned two terms.
 

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