Sigma models with off-shell N=(4,4) supersymmetry and noncommuting complex structures

Abstract

We describe the conditions for extra supersymmetry in N=(2,2) supersymmetric nonlinear sigma models written in terms of semichiral superfields. We find that some of these models have additional off-shell supersymmetry. The (4,4) supersymmetry introduces geometrical structures on the target-space which are conveniently described in terms of Yano f-structures and Magri-Morosi concomitants. On-shell, we relate the new structures to the known bi-hypercomplex structures.

20 pages; v2: significant corrections, clarifications, and reorganization; v3: discussion of supersymmetry vs twisted supersymmetry added, relevant signs corrected.