Topics in N = 1 supergravity in four dimensions and superstring effective field theories beyond tree-level

Abstract

In this thesis, we present some works in the direction of studying quantum effects in locally supersymmetric effective field theories that appear in the low energy limit of suprestring theory. After reviewing the Kahler covariant formulation of supergravity, we show the calculation of the divergent one-loop contribution to the effective boson Lagrangian for supergravity, including the Yang-Mills sector and the helicity-odd operators that arise from integration over fermion fields. The only restriction is on the Yang-Mills kinetic energy normalization function, which is taken diagonal in gauge indices, as in AcknowledgementsMy deepest gratitude goes to my advisor, Professor Mary K. Gaillard, for all the inspiration: support, friendship, and help that she has provided throughout my graduate research at Berkeley. I have benefitted immensely from her keen approach and sense of direction in physics; she has patiently guided me through a difficult but intriguing area of physics, namely superstring phenomenology, and has opened my eyes on lengthy and intricate calculations. In one sentence, her deep intellect and warm personality has made being her student a pleasure.