1D diffeomorphism invariant model of a free scalar relativistic particle: Supervariable and BRST approaches

Abstract

We apply the supervariable approach to derive the proper quantum Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) and anti-BRST symmetries for the 1D diffeomorphism invariant model of a free scalar relativistic particle by exploiting the infinitesimal classical reparameterization (i.e. 1D diffeomorphism) symmetry of this theory. We derive the conserved and off-shell nilpotent (anti-)BRST charges and prove their absolute anticommutativity property by using the virtues of Curci–Ferrari (CF)-type restriction of our present theory. We establish the sanctity of the existence of CF-type restriction (i) by considering the (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations of the coupled (but equivalent) Lagrangians and (ii) by proving the symmetry invariance of the Lagrangians within the framework of supervariable approach. We capture the nilpotency and absolute anticommutativity of the conserved (anti-)BRST charges within the framework of (anti-)chiral supervariable approach (ACSA) to BRST formalism. One of the novel observations of our present endeavor is the derivation of CF-type restriction by using the modified Bonora–Tonin (BT) supervariable approach (while deriving the (anti-)BRST symmetries for the target space–time and/or momenta variables) and by symmetry considerations of the Lagrangians of the theory. The rest of the (anti-)BRST symmetries, for the other variables, are derived by using the newly proposed ACSA. We also demonstrate the existence of CF-type restriction in the proof of absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-)BRST charges.