P–Branes and the Field Theory Limit

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

P–Branes and the Field Theory Limit Quantum aspects of gauge theories, supersymmetry and unification PROCEEDINGS P{branes and the field theory limit Jan Pieter van der Schaar∗ Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Groningen Nyenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands E-mail: [email protected] Abstract: We investigate Domain–Wall (DW)/Quantum Field Theory (QFT) correspondences in various dimensions. Our general analysis does not only cover the well–studied cases in ten and eleven dimensions but also enables us to discuss DW/QFT correspondences in lower dimensions. New exam- ples include ‘d–branes’ in six dimensions preserving 8 supersymmetries. Keywords: AdS/CFT correspondence, p–branes. 1. Introduction 2. P {brane near{horizon geometries Our starting point is the D-dimensional action Z √ h Anti–de Sitter (AdS) supergravity has attracted −g S(D; a; p)= dDx −R− 4 (∂φ)2 much attention due to the conjectured correspon- 2κ2 D−2 D dence to a conformal field theory (CFT) on the 2k φ a i − gs e 2 boundary of the AdS spacetime [1, 2, 3] . Rec- Fd+1 ; (2.1) 2(d +1)! gs ognizing that this correspondence has its roots in the special properties of D–branes, this cor- which contains three independent parameters: the respondence was soon extended to include (most target spacetime dimension D, the dilaton cou- of) the non–conformal ten–dimensional Dp–branes pling parameter a and a parameter p specifying − − [4, 5] (for a review, see [6]). This led to the more the rank D p 2 of the field strength F .The general conjecture that there exists a correspon- parameter k is given by dence between Domain–Wall (DW) supergravity a p+1 k(D; a; p)= +2 : (2.2) and (Yang–Mills) quantum field theory (QFT). 2 D−2 This can also be understood by noting that AdS We have furthermore introduced two useful de- spacetimes are special examples of the more gen- pendent parameters d and d˜ which are defined eral DW spacetimes [7]. In this talk we will ex- by tend the discussion of [4, 5] to general two–block p–branes in various dimensions. d = p + 1 wv dimension ; (2.3) d˜ = D − p − 3 dual wv dimension : In Section 2 we will derive the near–horizon geometry of a generic two–block p–brane and in We next consider the following class of diago- Section 3 we discuss the low energy field theory nal “two-block” p–brane solutions (using the Ein- limit and restrict ourselves to (intersections of) stein frame)1: D–branes. We will end that Section by focusing − 4d~ 4d 2 (D−2)∆ 2 (D−2)∆ 2 on a six–dimensional example and in Section 4 ds = H dxd + H dxd~+2 ; conclude with a summary and discussion. (D−2)a φ 4∆ e = gs H ; (2.4) 1For later convenience, we give the solution in terms of the magnetic potential of rank D − p − 3. The p-brane ∗Based on work done in collaboration with Klaus solution is electrically charged with respect to the p +1{ Behrndt, Eric Bergshoeff and Rein Halbersma. form potential. Quantum aspects of gauge theories, supersymmetry and unification Jan Pieter van der Schaar r (2−k) 4 electric (p + 1)–form potential Cp+1 is propor- ˜ ··· ··· gs Fm1 md~+1 = m1 md~+1m@mH; −k ∆ tional to gs , which follows from the action (2.1), where we find that φ a 1 (2−k) e k ∗ τp ∼ : (2.12) ˜ p+1 k gs F = gs F: (2.5) `s g gs s ∼ D−2 2 We use a constant, i.e. metric independent, Levi- Comparing with (2.9) and using κD ls gs we φ(H=1) deduce that, for a single brane, Civita tensor. Furthermore, gs = e and ∆ is defined by [8, 9] d~ r0 ∼ 2−k gs : (2.13) 1 2 2dd˜ `s ∆= 8(D−2)a + ; (2.6) D − 2 The two-block solutions (2.4) include (super- which is invariant under reductions and oxida- symmetric) domain-wall spacetimes. They corre- tions (in the Einstein frame). The function H is spond to the case d˜= −1, " = −1andr0 =1=m. harmonic over the d˜+ 2 transverse coordinates The solutions also include the known branes in and, assuming that ten and eleven dimensions (M2, M5, Dp,F1,NS5 etc.) as well as branes in lower dimensions. If d˜=6 −2; 0 ; (2.7) the branes under consideration preserve any su- (i.e. no constant or logarithmic harmonic) this persymmetries we can set [8, 9] harmonic function is given by 4 ∆= ; (2.14) ~ n r0 d H =1+ : (2.8) n r where generically 32=2 is the number of unbro- ken supersymmetries. Here r0 is an integration constant with the di- We now consider the limit for which the con- mensions of length. It is related to the mass and stant part in the harmonic function is negligible. charge of the p–brane a follows. The mass τp per We make a co-ordinate transformation and go to unit p–volume is given by the ADM–formula: Z the dual frame 1 − −2 D p m n − b r0 − ( a ) τp = d Σ @ hmn @mh b λ/r0 d~ φ 2 = e g∗ = e gE : (2.15) 2κD @MD−p−1 r − − 2(D p 3) D−p−3 After these manipulations we can write the near– = 2 r0 ΩD−p−2 : (2.9) ∆κD horizon metric as 2d~ On the other hand, the charge µp per unit p- 2 −2(1− ∆ )λ/r0 2 2 2 2 ds∗ = e dxd +dλ +r0dΩ ~+1 ; volume is given, in terms of the same integration d (D − 2)ad˜ constant r0, by the Gauss-law formula φ = −λ ; (2.16) Z 4∆r0 1 D−p−2 m1···m ~ (2−k) µ = (d Σ) d+1 g F˜ ··· 2 ~ p 2 s m1 mD−p−2 which generically (when 1 − d =6 0) describes an 2κD ∆ r d~+1 AdSd+1 ⊗S geometry and a linear (in λ) dila- ∆ = τp : (2.10) ton background. Another useful and standard 4 ~ parametrisation, when 1 − 2d =6 0, can be ob- Hence, the p–brane solution satisfies the BPS ∆ tained by introducing a radial parameter u with bound r dimensions of mass 4 | | τp = µp : (2.11) β ˜ ∆ r 2d− u = β+1 ,β= 1 (2.17) To derive an expression for r0 in terms of the r0 ∆ string parameters gs and `s, which fixes the scal- −2 and the metric after a rescaling of xd → β xd, ing of H, one must add a source term to the su- can be written as " ( ) # pergravity bulk action. Using the no–force con- 2 dition2 and the fact that in the string frame the 2 2 −2 2 2 du 2 ds∗ = r0 β u dxd + +dΩd~+1 : 2Alternatively, one can use a scaling argument, see u Appendix B of [10]. (2.18) 2 Quantum aspects of gauge theories, supersymmetry and unification Jan Pieter van der Schaar Reducing over the d˜+ 1 angular variables of Here N denotes the number of stacked branes the sphere we end up with a gauged supergrav- and the scaling of the coupling constant with gs −1 ity in d+1 dimensions supporting a domain–wall is as the inverse tension τp . The undetermined solution. The precise relation between the pa- numerical factor cp and the parameter x depend rameters of the domain–wall supergravity action on the specific field theory under consideration. and its solution in terms of those of the p–brane For a rank q tensor field theory in p + 1 dimen- action (2.1) and its solution (2.16) can be found sions, x is in fact equal to p − 2q − 1. Depending in [10]. on whether x is positive or negative, the factor Summarizing, in this Section we showed that in (3.1) involving N and gs should either become in the dual frame, defined by (2.15), all p–branes large or small in the low energy limit in order to 2 solutions (2.4) have a near–horizon background keep gf fixed. In order for the theory to decou- d~+1 DWd+1 ⊗ S . The domain–wall metric has all ple from the bulk supergravity we will assume the isometries of an AdS space. These isometries that gs 1(soκD →0 in the low energy limit) are broken in the full background because of the and therefore we take N →∞when gsN has to presence of a non–trivial dilaton. become large to fix gf . As explained in [11] there are two natural en- ergy scales we can keep fixed in the low energy 3. The field theory limit limit, depending on how we probe the collection of D–branes. They concluded that probing a col- In this section we will set up the framework for lection of D–branes with supergravity fields is the the DW/QFT duality similar to the analysis of natural thing to do in the context of holography, [5] but for arbitrary dimensions. As we showed instead of probing the system with another D– in the previous section, the near–horizon geom- brane. In [5] it was observed that in the dual etry of a general p–brane in the dual frame is frame, where the metric describes an AdS space- equivalent to that of a non–dilatonic p–brane. It time, the radial parameter u (2.17) in the metric is therefore natural to assume that the duality (2.18) naturally corresponds to the energy scale might be extended.
Recommended publications
  • Pitp Lectures
    MIFPA-10-34 PiTP Lectures Katrin Becker1 Department of Physics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA [email protected] Contents 1 Introduction 2 2 String duality 3 2.1 T-duality and closed bosonic strings .................... 3 2.2 T-duality and open strings ......................... 4 2.3 Buscher rules ................................ 5 3 Low-energy effective actions 5 3.1 Type II theories ............................... 5 3.1.1 Massless bosons ........................... 6 3.1.2 Charges of D-branes ........................ 7 3.1.3 T-duality for type II theories .................... 7 3.1.4 Low-energy effective actions .................... 8 3.2 M-theory ................................... 8 3.2.1 2-derivative action ......................... 8 3.2.2 8-derivative action ......................... 9 3.3 Type IIB and F-theory ........................... 9 3.4 Type I .................................... 13 3.5 SO(32) heterotic string ........................... 13 4 Compactification and moduli 14 4.1 The torus .................................. 14 4.2 Calabi-Yau 3-folds ............................. 16 5 M-theory compactified on Calabi-Yau 4-folds 17 5.1 The supersymmetric flux background ................... 18 5.2 The warp factor ............................... 18 5.3 SUSY breaking solutions .......................... 19 1 These are two lectures dealing with supersymmetry (SUSY) for branes and strings. These lectures are mainly based on ref. [1] which the reader should consult for original references and additional discussions. 1 Introduction To make contact between superstring theory and the real world we have to understand the vacua of the theory. Of particular interest for vacuum construction are, on the one hand, D-branes. These are hyper-planes on which open strings can end. On the world-volume of coincident D-branes, non-abelian gauge fields can exist.
    [Show full text]
  • From Vibrating Strings to a Unified Theory of All Interactions
    Barton Zwiebach From Vibrating Strings to a Unified Theory of All Interactions or the last twenty years, physicists have investigated F String Theory rather vigorously. The theory has revealed an unusual depth. As a result, despite much progress in our under- standing of its remarkable properties, basic features of the theory remain a mystery. This extended period of activity is, in fact, the second period of activity in string theory. When it was first discov- ered in the late 1960s, string theory attempted to describe strongly interacting particles. Along came Quantum Chromodynamics— a theoryof quarks and gluons—and despite their early promise, strings faded away. This time string theory is a credible candidate for a theoryof all interactions—a unified theoryof all forces and matter. The greatest complication that frustrated the search for such a unified theorywas the incompatibility between two pillars of twen- tieth century physics: Einstein’s General Theoryof Relativity and the principles of Quantum Mechanics. String theory appears to be 30 ) zwiebach mit physics annual 2004 the long-sought quantum mechani- cal theory of gravity and other interactions. It is almost certain that string theory is a consistent theory. It is less certain that it describes our real world. Nevertheless, intense work has demonstrated that string theory incorporates many features of the physical universe. It is reasonable to be very optimistic about the prospects of string theory. Perhaps one of the most impressive features of string theory is the appearance of gravity as one of the fluctuation modes of a closed string. Although it was not discov- ered exactly in this way, we can describe a logical path that leads to the discovery of gravity in string theory.
    [Show full text]
  • 8. Compactification and T-Duality
    8. Compactification and T-Duality In this section, we will consider the simplest compactification of the bosonic string: a background spacetime of the form R1,24 S1 (8.1) ⇥ The circle is taken to have radius R, so that the coordinate on S1 has periodicity X25 X25 +2⇡R ⌘ We will initially be interested in the physics at length scales R where motion on the S1 can be ignored. Our goal is to understand what physics looks like to an observer living in the non-compact R1,24 Minkowski space. This general idea goes by the name of Kaluza-Klein compactification. We will view this compactification in two ways: firstly from the perspective of the spacetime low-energy e↵ective action and secondly from the perspective of the string worldsheet. 8.1 The View from Spacetime Let’s start with the low-energy e↵ective action. Looking at length scales R means that we will take all fields to be independent of X25: they are instead functions only on the non-compact R1,24. Consider the metric in Einstein frame. This decomposes into three di↵erent fields 1,24 on R :ametricG˜µ⌫,avectorAµ and a scalar σ which we package into the D =26 dimensional metric as 2 µ ⌫ 2σ 25 µ 2 ds = G˜µ⌫ dX dX + e dX + Aµ dX (8.2) Here all the indices run over the non-compact directions µ, ⌫ =0 ,...24 only. The vector field Aµ is an honest gauge field, with the gauge symmetry descend- ing from di↵eomorphisms in D =26dimensions.Toseethisrecallthatunderthe transformation δXµ = V µ(X), the metric transforms as δG = ⇤ + ⇤ µ⌫ rµ ⌫ r⌫ µ This means that di↵eomorphisms of the compact direction, δX25 =⇤(Xµ), turn into gauge transformations of Aµ, δAµ = @µ⇤ –197– We’d like to know how the fields Gµ⌫, Aµ and σ interact.
    [Show full text]
  • M-Theory Solutions and Intersecting D-Brane Systems
    M-Theory Solutions and Intersecting D-Brane Systems A Thesis Submitted to the College of Graduate Studies and Research in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon By Rahim Oraji ©Rahim Oraji, December/2011. All rights reserved. Permission to Use In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Postgrad- uate degree from the University of Saskatchewan, I agree that the Libraries of this University may make it freely available for inspection. I further agree that permission for copying of this thesis in any manner, in whole or in part, for scholarly purposes may be granted by the professor or professors who supervised my thesis work or, in their absence, by the Head of the Department or the Dean of the College in which my thesis work was done. It is understood that any copying or publication or use of this thesis or parts thereof for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. It is also understood that due recognition shall be given to me and to the University of Saskatchewan in any scholarly use which may be made of any material in my thesis. Requests for permission to copy or to make other use of material in this thesis in whole or part should be addressed to: Head of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics 116 Science Place University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada S7N 5E2 i Abstract It is believed that fundamental M-theory in the low-energy limit can be described effectively by D=11 supergravity.
    [Show full text]
  • What Lattice Theorists Can Do for Superstring/M-Theory
    July 26, 2016 0:28 WSPC/INSTRUCTION FILE review˙2016July23 International Journal of Modern Physics A c World Scientific Publishing Company What lattice theorists can do for superstring/M-theory MASANORI HANADA Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, JAPAN The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, JAPAN Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA [email protected] The gauge/gravity duality provides us with nonperturbative formulation of superstring/M-theory. Although inputs from gauge theory side are crucial for answering many deep questions associated with quantum gravitational aspects of superstring/M- theory, many of the important problems have evaded analytic approaches. For them, lattice gauge theory is the only hope at this moment. In this review I give a list of such problems, putting emphasis on problems within reach in a five-year span, including both Euclidean and real-time simulations. Keywords: Lattice Gauge Theory; Gauge/Gravity Duality; Quantum Gravity. PACS numbers:11.15.Ha,11.25.Tq,11.25.Yb,11.30.Pb Preprint number:YITP-16-28 1. Introduction During the second superstring revolution, string theorists built a beautiful arXiv:1604.05421v2 [hep-lat] 23 Jul 2016 framework for quantum gravity: the gauge/gravity duality.1, 2 It claims that superstring/M-theory is equivalent to certain gauge theories, at least about certain background spacetimes (e.g. black brane background, asymptotically anti de-Sitter (AdS) spacetime). Here the word ‘equivalence’ would be a little bit misleading, be- cause it is not clear how to define string/M-theory nonperturbatively; superstring theory has been formulated based on perturbative expansions, and M-theory3 is defined as the strong coupling limit of type IIA superstring theory, where the non- perturbative effects should play important roles.
    [Show full text]
  • Refined Topological Branes Arxiv:1805.00993V1 [Hep-Th] 2 May 2018
    ITEP-TH-08/18 IITP-TH-06/18 Refined Topological Branes Can Koz¸caza;b;c;1 Shamil Shakirovd;e;f;2 Cumrun Vafac and Wenbin Yang;b;c;3 aDepartment of Physics, Bo˘gazi¸ciUniversity 34342 Bebek, Istanbul, Turkey bCenter of Mathematical Sciences and Applications, Harvard University 20 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA cJefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University 17 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA dSociety of Fellows, Harvard University Cambridge, MA 02138, USA eInstitute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow 127994, Russia f Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA gYau Mathematical Sciences Center, Tsinghua University, Haidian district, Beijing, China, 100084 Abstract: We study the open refined topological string amplitudes using the refined topological vertex. We determine the refinement of holonomies necessary to describe the boundary conditions of open amplitudes (which in particular satisfy the required integrality properties). We also derive the refined holonomies using the refined Chern- Simons theory. arXiv:1805.00993v1 [hep-th] 2 May 2018 1Current affiliation Bo˘gazi¸ciUniversity 2Current affiliation Mathematical Sciences Research Institute 3Current affiliation Yau Mathematical Sciences Center Contents 1 Introduction1 2 Topological Branes3 2.1 External topological branes5 2.2 Internal topological branes7 2.2.1 Topological t-branes8 2.2.2 Topological q-branes 10 3 Topological Branes from refined Chern-Simons Theory 11 3.1 Topological t-branes from refined Chern-Simons theory 13 3.2 Topological q-branes from refined Chern-Simons theory 15 3.3 Duality relation and brane changing operator 15 4 Application: Double compactified toric Calabi-Yau 3-fold 17 4.1 Generic case 19 4.2 Case Qτ = 0 20 4.3 Case Qρ = 0 21 5 Discussion and Outlook 22 A Appenix A: Useful Identities 23 1 Introduction Gauge theories with N = 2 supersymmetry in 4d have been important playground for theoretical physics since the celebrated solution of Seiberg and Witten [1,2].
    [Show full text]
  • Black Holes and String Theory
    Black Holes and String Theory Hussain Ali Termezy Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science of Imperial College London September 2012 Contents 1 Black Holes in General Relativity 2 1.1 Black Hole Solutions . 2 1.2 Black Hole Thermodynamics . 5 2 String Theory Background 19 2.1 Strings . 19 2.2 Supergravity . 23 3 Type IIB and Dp-brane solutions 25 4 Black Holes in String Theory 33 4.1 Entropy Counting . 33 Introduction The study of black holes has been an intense area of research for many decades now, as they are a very useful theoretical construct where theories of quantum gravity become relevant. There are many curiosities associated with black holes, and the resolution of some of the more pertinent problems seem to require a quantum theory of gravity to resolve. With the advent of string theory, which purports to be a unified quantum theory of gravity, attention has naturally turned to these questions, and have remarkably shown signs of progress. In this project we will first review black hole solutions in GR, and then look at how a thermodynamic description of black holes is made possible. We then turn to introduce string theory and in particular review the black Dp-brane solutions of type IIB supergravity. Lastly we see how to compute a microscopic account of the Bekenstein entropy is given in string theory. 1 Chapter 1 Black Holes in General Relativity 1.1 Black Hole Solutions We begin by reviewing some the basics of black holes as they arise in the study of general relativity.
    [Show full text]
  • Supersymmetric Partition Functions and a String Theory in 4 Dimensions Arxiv:1209.2425V1 [Hep-Th] 11 Sep 2012
    Supersymmetric Partition Functions and a String Theory in 4 Dimensions Cumrun Vafa Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Abstract We propose a novel string theory propagating in a non-commutative deformation of the four dimensional space T ∗T2 whose scattering states correspond to superconformal theories in 5 dimensions and the scattering amplitudes compute superconformal indices of the corresponding 5d theories. The superconformal theories are obtained by M- theory compactifications on singular CY 3-folds or equivalently from a web of 5-branes of type IIB strings. The cubic interaction of this string theory for primitive winding modes corresponds to the (refined) topological vertex. The oscillator modes of the string theory correspond to off-shell states and carry information about co-dimension arXiv:1209.2425v1 [hep-th] 11 Sep 2012 2 defects of the superconformal theory. Particular limits of a subset of scattering amplitudes of this string theory lead to the partition functions of An Gaiotto theories for all n, compactified on S4, i.e., to amplitudes of all Toda theories. 1 Introduction Protected amplitudes of supersymmetric theories are frequently captured by topological theories. These are typically holomorphic quantities. In the context of supersymmetric theories arising in string theory these are computed by topological string amplitudes. With the work of Pestun [1] on partition function of supersymmetric theories on S4, it became clear that not only holomorphic amplitudes of supersymmetric theories can arise in partition functions but also combinations of topological/anti-topological amplitudes arise{very much along the lines of tt∗ geometry studied in the 2d context [2].
    [Show full text]
  • Asymptotic M5-Brane Entropy from S-Duality” 1702.04058
    On S-duality and 6d CFTs Seok Kim (Seoul National University) Autumn symposium on string theory, KIAS Sep 12, 2017 Talk based on: SK, June Nahmgoong, “Asymptotic M5-brane entropy from S-duality” 1702.04058. + more works in (slow) progress Some related works: Billo, Frau, Fucito, Lerda, Morales, “S-duality and the prepotential in N=2* theories (I): the ADE algebras” 1507.07709. Haghighat, Iqbal, Kozcaz, Lockhart, Vafa, “M-strings” 1305.6322. Di Pietro, Komargodski, “Cardy formulae for SUSY theories in d=4 and d=6” 1407.6061. Galakhov, Mironov, Morozov, “S-duality & modular transformation as a non-perturbative deformation of the ordinary pq-duality” 1311.7069. S-duality • Relation between two interacting QFTs w/ coupling constants inversed. • 3+1d gauge theories: electric-magnetic duality • Simple example: maximal super-Yang-Mills [Montonen, Olive] [Osborn] - Evidences: dyon spectrum [Sen], various partition functions [Vafa, Witten] … , etc. • Accounted for by embedding into bigger systems - D3’s on type IIB: consequence of S-duality of IIB string theory - A smaller embedding, in QFT: 6d N=(2,0) QFT (e.g. on M5’s) on 푇2 W-boson 휃 4휋푖 complex structure 휏 = + ~ 4d coupling constant 2휋 푔2 푌푀 monopole - Tied to subtle properties of 6d QFTs • 6d (2,0) theory has been a guidance to S-duality. Can it be true the other way? 3 The observable • N M5’s on S1 : an index for BPS states in the tensor branch. 푍[푅4 × 푇2] - bound states of wrapped self-dual strings & momenta • IIA picture: k D0’s bound to N D4’s & F1’s [Nekrasov] (2002) [Bruzzo, Fucito, Morales, Tanzini] (2002) [Nekrasov, Okounkov] (2003) [H.-C.
    [Show full text]
  • D-Brane Actions and N = 2 Supergravity Solutions
    D-Brane Actions and N =2Supergravity Solutions Thesis by Calin Ciocarlie In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy California Institute of Technology Pasadena, California 2004 (Submitted May 20 , 2004) ii c 2004 Calin Ciocarlie All Rights Reserved iii Acknowledgements I would like to express my gratitude to the people who have taught me Physics throughout my education. My thesis advisor John Schwarz has given me insightful guidance and invaluable advice. I benefited a lot by collaborating with outstanding colleagues: Iosif Bena, Iouri Chepelev, Peter Lee, Jongwon Park. I have also bene- fited from interesting discussions with Vadim Borokhov, Jaume Gomis, Prof. Anton Kapustin, Tristan McLoughlin, Yuji Okawa, and Arkadas Ozakin. I am also thankful to my Physics teacher Violeta Grigorie who’s enthusiasm for Physics is contagious and to my family for constant support and encouragement in my academic pursuits. iv Abstract Among the most remarkable recent developments in string theory are the AdS/CFT duality, as proposed by Maldacena, and the emergence of noncommutative geometry. It has been known for some time that for a system of almost coincident D-branes the transverse displacements that represent the collective coordinates of the system become matrix-valued transforming in the adjoint representation of U(N). From a geometrical point of view this is rather surprising but, as we will see in Chapter 2, it is closely related to the noncommutative descriptions of D-branes. A consequence of the collective coordinates becoming matrix-valued is the ap- pearance of a “dielectric” effect in which D-branes can become polarized into higher- dimensional fuzzy D-branes.
    [Show full text]
  • (Thermo)Dynamics of D-Brane Probes
    Trieste Meeting of the TMR Network on Physics beyond the SM1 PROCEEDINGS (Thermo)dynamics of D-brane probes E. Kiritsis∗,T.Taylor# ∗ Physics Department, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, GREECE # Physics Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Abstract: We discuss the dynamics and thermodynamics of particle and D-brane probes moving in non-extremal black hole/brane backgrounds. When a probe falls from asymptotic infinity to the horizon, it transforms its potential energy into heat, TdS, which is absorbed by the black hole in a way consistent with the first law of thermodynamics. We show that the same remains true in the near-horizon limit, for BPS probes only, with the BPS probe moving from AdS infinity to the horizon. This is a quantitative indication that the brane-probe reaching the horizon corresponds to thermalization in gauge theory. It is shown that this relation provides a way to reliably compute the entropy away from the extremal limit (towards the Schwarzschild limit). 2 1. Introduction and conclusions Hooft coupling gYMN. The SYM/AdS correspondence and its ther- The black D-brane solutions of type II super- mal black hole generalizations emerge in a par- gravity [1] and their near-horizon geometry [2] ticular limit of N D-branes coinciding at one are the central elements of CFT/Anti-deSitter point in the transverse space; this corresponds (AdS) correspondence [3, 4, 5]. In particular, to a conformal point in the SYM moduli space, the (3+1)-dimensional world-volume of N coin- with zero vacuum expectation values (vevs) of N ciding, extremal D3-branes is the arena of =4 all scalar fields.
    [Show full text]
  • Conifold Transitions and Five-Brane Condensation in M-Theory on Spin(7
    INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS PUBLISHING CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM GRAVITY Class. Quantum Grav. 20 (2003) 665–705 PII: S0264-9381(03)53801-1 Conifold transitions and five-brane condensation in M-theory on Spin(7) manifolds Sergei Gukov1,JamesSparks2 and David Tong3 1 Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA 2 Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK 3 Center for Theoretical Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] Received 23 September 2002, in final form 6 January 2003 Published 28 January 2003 Online at stacks.iop.org/CQG/20/665 Abstract We conjecture a topology-changing transition in M-theory on a non-compact asymptotically conical Spin(7) manifold, where a 5-sphere collapses and a CP2 bolt grows. We argue that the transition may be understood as the condensation of M5-branes wrapping S5.Upon reduction to ten dimensions, it has a physical interpretation as a transition of D6-branes lying on calibrated submanifolds of flat space. In yet another guise, it may be seen as a geometric transition between two phases of type IIA string theory on a G2 holonomy manifold with either wrapped D6-branes, or background Ramond–Ramond flux. This is the first non-trivial example of a topology-changing transition with only 1/16 supersymmetry. PACS numbers: 11.25.Mj, 11.30.Pb, 11.15.Tk Contents 1. Introduction 666 2. D6-branes, M-theory and Spin(7) conifolds 670 2.1.
    [Show full text]