$N=8$ Superconformal Algebra and the Superstring

Abstract

The superstring in $D=3,4$ and 6 is invariant under an $N=D-2$ superconformal algebra based on $\widehat{S^{D-3}}$. There is a direct relationship between this (world-sheet) symmetry and the super-Poincaré (target space) symmetry. We establish this relationship using the light-cone gauge, show how the statement generalizes to $D=10$ and examine the properties of the $N=8$ superconformal algebra and the possible implications of its existence.

12 pages, Göteborg-ITP-93-5

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