Embedding formalism for anti-de Sitter superspaces

Abstract

In this thesis we study embedding formalisms for $\mathcal{N}$-extended anti-de Sitter (AdS) superspaces in four and five dimensions. Specifically, building on earlier work in the four-dimensional case, we develop bi-supertwistor realisations for these AdS superspaces as well as their harmonic and projective extensions. We also describe the precise correspondence between such global approaches to AdS superspaces and their realisations within the supergravity setting. Finally, we present applications of our formalism, including new models for superparticles propagating in AdS superspaces in diverse dimensions.