Automatic Gauged R-Parity

Abstract

In the minimal supersymmetric standard model, the existence of R-parity is not required for the internal consistency of the theory and might therefore be regarded as ad hoc. I catalog some simple conditions which are sufficient to guarantee that R-parity survives as an unbroken gauged discrete subgroup of the continuous gauge symmetry in certain extensions of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. If these criteria are met, R-parity is automatic. [Based on a talk given at the International Workshop on Supersymmetry and Unification of Fundamental Interactions (SUSY93) at Northeastern University, Boston, March 29-April 1 1993.]