Mode regularization for N = 1, 2 SUSY Sigma model

Worldline N = 1 and N = 2 supersymmetric sigma models in curved background are useful to describe spin one-half and spin one particles coupled to external gravity, respectively. It is well known that worldline path integrals in curved space require regularization: we present here the mode-regularization for these models, finding in particular the corresponding counterterms, both in the case of flat and curved indices for worldline fermions. For N = 1, using curved indices we find a contribution to the counterterm from the fermions that cancels the contribution of the bosons, leading to a vanishing total counterterm and thus preserving the covariance and supersymmetry of the classical action. Conversely in the case of N = 2 supersymmetries we obtain a non-covariant counterterm with both curved and flat indices. This work completes the analysis of the known regularization schemes for N = 1, 2 nonlinear sigma models in one dimension. © 2008 SISSA.