An introduction to two-dimensional quantum field theory with (0,2) supersymmetry (Q1756428)

Recently great progress has been made in understanding theories with four or more supercharges. In this respect it is important to extend these successes to theories with less supersymmetry. In that sense, two-dimensional quantum field theories with (0, 2) supersymmetry are the ones where we can still use tools from complex geometry to constrain the kinematics and dynamics of a non-trivial theory. The main theme of this book is to point out and utilize the relations between structures from complex geometry and field theory. To that end, a number of mathematical concepts are introduced to explain the essential results and ideas, as well as to provide references for further study. Some of these are given in the appendix, while other notions are developed in the main body of the text. A number of exercises are also given. The author begins with a thorough examination of the basic structures of (0, 2) quantum field theory and conformal field theory. Next simple class of Lagrangian theories- the (0, 2) Landau-Ginzburg models- are considered and then discuss the resulting renormalization group flows, dynamics and symmetries. A comparison and contrast is then made with the (0, 2) and (2, 2) theories. With the experience gained with this simplest class of models, the author further examines the (0, 2) non-linear sigma models. Further the rich subject of mirror symmetry is discussed. The reader of this book is assumed to have some basic background in conformal theory, quantum field theory and general relativity/differential geometry. Some exposure to topics like supersymmetry is also useful