Clifford Algebras, Supersymmetry and $Z_n-$symmetries: Applications in Field Theory

Abstract

After a short introduction on Clifford algebras of polynomials, we give a general method of constructing a matrix representation. This process of linearization leads naturally to two fundamental structures: the generalized Clifford algebra (GCA) and the generalized Grassmann algebra (GGA) which are studied. Then, it is proved that if we equip the GGA with a differential structure, we obtain the $q-$deformed Heisenberg algebra or the $q-$oscillators. Finally, it is shown that the $q-$deformed Heisenberg algebra is the basic tool to define an adapted superspace leading to the extension of supersymmetry called fractional supersymmetry of order $F$ (FSUSY), $F=2$ corresponding to the usual supersymmetry. Local FSUSY in one dimension is then contructed in the world-line formalism, and an extension of the Dirac equation is obtained. In two dimensions, it turns out that FSUSY is a conformal field theory and in addition to the stress energy tensor, a supercurrent of conformal weight $1+1/F$, which generates a symmetry between the primary fields of conformal weight $(0,1,\cdots ,1-1/F$), is obtained. The algebra is explicitly constructed. We also show that in $1+2$ dimensions FSUSY is a non-trivial extension of the Poincaré algebra which generates a symmetry among fractional spin states or anyons. Unitarity of the representation is checked. Finally, we prove that, independently of the dimension, a natural classification emerges according to the decomposition of $F$ as a product of prime numbers and that FSUSY is a symmetry which closes non-linearly, and is sustained by mathematical structures that go beyond Lie or super-Lie algebras.

LaTex, fancyheadings.sty, epsfig.sty, floatfig.sty, 106 pages, 2 figures, Habilitation Thesis (in French)