Analysis on superspace: an overview

Abstract

The concept of superspace is fundamental for some recent physical theories, notably supersymmetry, and a mathematical feedback for it is provided by superanalysis and supergeometry. We survey the state of affairs in superanalysis, shifting our attention from supermanifold theory to “plain” superspaces. The two principal existing approaches to superspaces are sketched and links between them discussed. We examine a problem by Manin of representing even geometry (analysis) as a collective effect in infinite-dimensional purely odd geometry (analysis), by applying the technique of nonstandard (infinitesimal) analysis.