SUPERSYMMETRY AND THE MOBIUS-INVERSION FUNCTION

We show that the Möbius inversion function of number theory can be interpreted as the operator (-1)F in quantum field theory. Consequently, we are able to provide physical interpretations for various properties of the Möbius inversion function. These include a physical understanding of the Möbius Inversion Formula and of a result that is equivalent to the prime number theorem. Supersymmetry and the Witten index play a central rôle in these constructions. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.