The geometry of quantum gauge theories: A superspace formulation of BRST symmetry

Abstract

The superspace representation of BRST transformations as translations in the direction of an extra anti-commuting coordinate is reviewed. Yang-Mills theory is described in terms of a gauge superfield whose super-curvature satisfies certain constraints. We solve these curvature constraints in terms of unconstrained superspace pre-potentials and write the quantum Yang-Mills action in a form in which the BRST invariance is manifest. (Anti-BRST invariance is included by using a further anti-commuting variable). In this approach, the quantum Yang-Mills action is shown to possess an infinitely reducible pre-gauge symmetry, which must be gauge fixed. © 1991.