SUPERSYMMETRIC ANYONS

We determine the supersymmetric generalization of anyon theories, presenting both the general formulation and specific models. Supersymmetry is shown to require certain direct interactions among anyons. For the supersymmetric O(3) non-linear sigma model, we construct the sHopf term, the supersymmetric generalization of the Hopf term, which causes the supersolitons of the model to be anyons. We investigate the interplay of the Higgs mechanism and anyon physics, both as relates to supersymmetry and to other physical properties such as rotations and confinement (even in non-supersymmetric anyon theories). In doing this, we explore the implications - potentially important for phenomenology - of the fact that the transition from unbroken gauge symmetry to the Higgs phase is simultaneously a transition from anyon to canonical spin and statistics. © 1990.