AXIOMATIC ASPECTS OF N=2 VERTEX SUPERALGEBRAS WITH ODD FORMAL VARIABLES

We formulate the notion of N = 2 vertex superalgebra with two odd formal variables using a Jacobi identity with odd formal variables in which an N = 2 superconformal shift is incorporated into the usual Jacobi identity for a vertex superalgebra. It is shown that as a consequence of these axioms, the N = 2 vertex superalgebra is naturally a representation of the Lie superalgebra isomorphic to the three-dimensional algebra of superderivations with basis consisting of the usual conformal operator and the two N = 2 superconformal operators. In addition, this superconformal shift in the Jacobi identity dictates the form of the odd formal variable components of the vertex operators, and allows one to easily derive the useful formulas in the theory. The notion of N = 2 Neveu-Schwarz vertex operator superalgebra with two odd formal variables is introduced, and consequences of this notion are derived. In particular, we develop the duality properties which are necessary for a rigorous treatment of the correspondence with the underlying supergeometry. Various other formulations of the notion of N = 2 (Neveu-Schwarz) vertex (operator) superalgebra appearing in the mathematics and physics literature are discussed, and several mistakes in the literature are noted and corrected.