Supersymmetry is a theoretically attractive possibility for several reasons. Most important from my viewpoint, is the fact that it is required by superstring theory. Beyond that is the remarkable fact that it is the unique possibility for a non-trivial extension of the known symmetries of space and time (which are described in special relativity by the Poincare group).
Mathematically, it can be described in terms of extra dimensions that are rather peculiar. Whereas ordinary space and time dimensions are described by ordinary numbers, which have the property that they commute: X·Y = Y·X, the supersymmetry directions are described by numbers that anti-commute: X·Y = -Y·X.
| Contents | Resolving Contradictions | Supersymmetry | A Brief History of Superstings |
| Basic Ideas of Superstring Theory | Superstring Revolution, part deux |