On the supersymmetric completion of the $R^4$ term in M-theory

Abstract

We examine the question of finding the supersymmetric completion of the $R^4$ term in M-theory. Using superfield methods, we present an eight derivative action in eight dimensions that has 32 preserved supersymmetries. We show also that this action has a hidden eleven-dimensional Lorentz invariance. It can thus be uplifted to give the complete set of bosonic terms in the M-theory eight derivative action.