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arXiv · 0911.0677

On the Inconsistency of Fayet-Iliopoulos Terms in Supergravity Theories

Keith R. Dienes·Brooks Thomas
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Abstract

Motivated by recent discussions, we revisit the issue of whether globally supersymmetric theories with non-zero Fayet-Iliopoulos terms may be consistently coupled to supergravity. In particular, we examine claims that a fundamental inconsistency arises due to the conflicting requirements which are imposed on the $R$-symmetry properties of the theory by the supergravity framework. We also prove that certain kinds of Fayet-Iliopoulos contributions to the supercurrent supermultiplets of theories with non-zero Fayet-Iliopoulos terms fail to exist. A key feature of our discussion is an explicit comparison between results from the chiral (or ``old minimal'') and linear (or ``new minimal'') formulations of supergravity, and the effects within each of these formalisms that are induced by the presence of non-zero Fayet-Iliopoulos terms.

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Keith R. Dienes, Brooks Thomas. 2009-11-04. On the Inconsistency of Fayet-Iliopoulos Terms in Supergravity Theories. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.81.065023

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