Supercommutative algebra

In mathematics, a supercommutative algebra is a superalgebra (i.e. a Z₂-graded algebra) such that for any two homogeneous elements x, y we have^[1]

$yx = (-1)^{|x| |y|}xy.\,$

Equivalently, it is a superalgebra where the supercommutator

$[x,y] = xy - (-1)^{|x| |y|}yx\,$

always vanishes. Algebraic structures which supercommute in the above sense are sometimes referred to as skew-commutative associative algebras to emphasize the anti-commutation, or, to emphasize the grading, graded-commutative or, if the supercommutativity is understood, simply commutative.

Any commutative algebra is a supercommutative algebra if given the trivial gradation (i.e. all elements are even). Grassmann algebras (also known as exterior algebras) are the most common examples of nontrivial supercommutative algebras. The supercenter of any superalgebra is the set of elements that supercommute with all elements, and is a supercommutative algebra.

The even subalgebra of a supercommutative algebra is always a commutative algebra. That is, even elements always commute. Odd elements, on the other hand, always anticommute. That is,

$xy + yx = 0\,$

for odd x and y. In particular, the square of any odd element x vanishes whenever 2 is invertible:

$x^2 = 0.\,$

Thus a commutative superalgebra (with 2 invertible and nonzero degree one component) always contains nilpotent elements.

See also

• Commutative algebra
• Lie superalgebra

References

1. Varadarajan, V. S. Supersymmetry for Mathematicians: An Introduction. American Mathematical Socety. p. 76. ISBN 9780821883518.