D-BranesD-branes represent a key theoretical tool in the understanding of strongly coupled superstring theory and M-theory. They have led to many striking discoveries, including the precise microphysics underlying the thermodynamic behaviour of certain black holes, and remarkable holographic dualities between large-N gauge theories and gravity. This book provides a self-contained introduction to the technology of D-branes, presenting the recent developments and ideas in a pedagogical manner. It is suitable for use as a textbook in graduate courses on modern string theory and theoretical particle physics, and will also be an indispensable reference for seasoned practitioners. The introductory material is developed by first starting with the main features of string theory needed to get rapidly to grips with D-branes, uncovering further aspects while actually working with D-branes. Many advanced applications are covered, with discussions of open problems which could form the basis for other avenues of research. |
Contents
| 1 | |
2 Relativistic strings | 24 |
3 A closer look at the worldsheet | 70 |
4 Strings on circles and Tduality | 94 |
5 Background fields and worldvolume actions | 129 |
6 Dbrane tension and boundary states | 141 |
7 Supersymmetric strings | 155 |
8 Supersymmetric strings and Tduality | 192 |
13 Dbranes and geometry I | 282 |
14 K3 orientifolds and compactification | 322 |
15 Dbranes and geometry II | 345 |
16 Towards M and Ftheory | 367 |
17 Dbranes and black holes | 409 |
18 Dbranes gravity and gauge theory | 440 |
19 The holographic renormalisation group | 467 |
20 Taking stock | 504 |
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Common terms and phrases
action AdS5 algebra anomaly antisymmetric asymptotic background black hole bosonic branes Chan-Paton chapter charge circle closed string compactification components compute conformal field theory coordinates Coulomb branch D-branes D-string defined diagram dilaton dimensional dimensions directions dr² ds² dual duality dx² enhançon equation fact fermions field strength fixed point function gauge field gauge group gauge symmetry gauge theory geometry gives graviton gravity hep-th heterotic string hypermultiplets insert instanton integral invariant JHEP lattice Lett low energy M-theory massless metric moduli space momentum multiplet non-trivial NS-NS NS5-brane Nucl open string orbifold orientifold Phys physics potential probe quantum radius result scalars sector simply sin² singularity solution spacetime spectrum string coupling string theory supergravity superstring supersymmetry T-dual T-duality tension tensor tion torus transformation transverse two-form type IIB type IIB string vacua vertex operators world-sheet world-volume zero μν