Superconformal vertex algebras in differential geometry. I

Abstract

We show how to construct an N=1 superconformal vertex algebra (SCVA) from any Riemannian manifold. When the Riemannian manifold has special holonomy groups, we discuss the extended supersymmetry. When the manifold is complex or K\"{a}hler, we also generalize the construction to obtain N=2 SCVA's. We study the BRST cohomology groups of the topological vertex algebras obtained by the $A$ twist and the $B$ twist from these N=2 SCVA's. We show that for one of them, the BRST cohomologies are isomorphic to $H^*(M, \Lambda^*(T^*M))$ and $H^*(M, \Lambda^*(TM))$ respectively. This provides a mathematical formulation of the $A$ theory and $B$ theory in physics literature. The connection with elliptic genera is also discussed. Furthermore, when the manifold is hyperk\"{a}hler, we generalize our constructions to obtain N=4 SCVA's. A heuristic relationship with super loop space is also discussed.