Nonlinear realization approach to extended supergravity theories in three dimensions

We elaborate on the nonlinear realization approach to spontaneously broken supergravity in three dimensions presented by Kuzenko and Stirling . Using this approach, we provide a novel derivation of N -extended supergravity, with and without a cosmological term. It corresponds to a Stückelberg-type extension of the following theories: (i) the ( p , q ) anti–de Sitter (AdS) supergravity theories with p + q = N , p ≥ q ≥ 0 proposed by Achúcarro and Townsend and (ii) the N -extended Poincaré supergravity of Marcus and Schwarz. We also apply the approach to obtain a Stückelberg reformulation of the supersymmetric Lorentz Chern-Simons action for arbitrary N . In our construction, the pure supergravity actions (Poincaré and AdS) share the invariance under two different local N -extended supersymmetries. One of them acts on the Goldstini, while the other supersymmetry leaves the Goldstini inert. The N -extended supersymmetric Lorentz Chern-Simons action proposed in our setting shares the former supersymmetry, but differs in the one that leaves the Goldstini inert. The supersymmetry that acts on the Goldstini can be used to gauge them away, and then the resulting actions coincide with that given in the literature.