Integrable nonlinear \(\sigma\) models with fermions (Q1080214)

The two-dimensional nonlinear \(\sigma\) model on a Riemannian symmetric space \(M=G/H\) is coupled to fermions with quartic self-interactions. The resulting hybrid model is presented in a gauge-dependent formulation, with a bosonic field taking values in G and a fermionic field transforming under a given representation of the gauge group H. General criteria for classical integrability are presented: they essentially fix the Lagrangian of the model but leave the fermion representation completely arbitrary. It is shown that by a special choice for the fermion representation (derived from the adjoint representation of G by an appropriate reduction) one arrives naturally at the supersymmetric nonliner \(\sigma\) model on \(M=G/H\). The issue of quantum integrability is also discussed, though with less stringent results.