On D=11 supertwistors, superparticle quantization and a hidden SO(16) symmetry of supergravity

Abstract

We consider a covariant quantization of the D=11 massless superparticle in the supertwistor framework. D=11 supertwistors are highly constrained, but the interpretation of their bosonic components as Lorentz harmonic variables and their momenta permits to develop a classical and quantum mechanics without much difficulties. A simple, heuristic `twistor' quantization of the superparticle leads to the linearized D=11 supergravity multiplet. In the process, we observe hints of a hidden SO(16) symmetry of D=11 supergravity.

10 pages, plain latex Invited paper at the XXII Max Born Symposium "Quantum, Super and Twistors", September 27-29, 2006, in honour of Jerzy Lukierski. v2: One reference and comment added

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