String theory and M-theory

for people in a hurry.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez

Universidad de El Salvador, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemática, Escuela de Fı́sica

San Salvador, El Salvador

November 29, 2018

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 1 / 38

 Introduction

Introduction

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 2 / 38

 Introduction

Quantum gravity theories

String theory
Quantization of objects
within space-time.
Requires that space-time
have 10 (or 11) dimensions.
Requires SUSY.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 3 / 38

 Introduction

Quantum gravity theories

String theory Loop quantum gravity

Quantization of objects Quantization of space-time
within space-time. itself.
Requires that space-time Only works for 4 dimensional
have 10 (or 11) dimensions. space-time.
Requires SUSY. It doesn’t acquire SUSY.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 3 / 38

 Introduction

History

At the beginning, they were used for explaining mesons (1960).

Bosonic string is introduced (1970).

The first superstring (I, II) theories were discovered (1971).

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 4 / 38

 Introduction

History

At the beginning, they were used for explaining mesons (1960).

Bosonic string is introduced (1970).

The first superstring (I, II) theories were discovered (1971).

First rev. (1984-1994): Consolidation of superstrings.

Cancellation of anomalies for superstring theories (1984).
Heterotic superstrings (1985).
Calabi–Yau manifold compactification (1985).

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 4 / 38

 Introduction

History

At the beginning, they were used for explaining mesons (1960).

Bosonic string is introduced (1970).

The first superstring (I, II) theories were discovered (1971).

First rev. (1984-1994): Consolidation of superstrings.

Cancellation of anomalies for superstring theories (1984).
Heterotic superstrings (1985).
Calabi–Yau manifold compactification (1985).

Second rev. (1994-2003): Dualities and unification.

M-theory (1995).
T-duality and D-branes (1995).
Gauge/string dualities: AdS/CFT correspondence (1998).

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 4 / 38

 Characteristics of strings

String theories

What is a string?

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 Characteristics of strings

String theories

What is a string? Think on an analogy with particles (it has 0

spatial dimensions). Z
S0 = m ds,

ds 2 = gµν (X )dx µ dx ν .

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 5 / 38

 Characteristics of strings

String theories

What is a string? Think on an analogy with particles (it has 0

spatial dimensions). Z
S0 = m ds,

ds 2 = gµν (X )dx µ dx ν .
The change of gµν (X ) creates the curvature of space time:
Rµν ∼ ∂λ g λρ ∂ρ gµν and R = g µν Rµν ,

which enters in Einstein’s equation.

1
Rµν − Rgµν = Tµν
2

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 5 / 38

 Characteristics of strings

Strings and quantum gravity

We can generalize this for Dp-branes.

Z
Sp = Tp dµp ,

dµ2p = det(gµν (X )∂α X µ ∂β X ν )d p+1 σ.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 6 / 38

 Characteristics of strings

Strings and quantum gravity

We can generalize this for Dp-branes.

Z
Sp = Tp dµp ,

dµ2p = det(gµν (X )∂α X µ ∂β X ν )d p+1 σ.

For a string (p = 1):
√
Z
T
S= dσ 2 −hhαβ gµν ∂α X µ ∂β X ν
2
(Polyakov action).

gµν (X ) is created from the p. spectrum.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 6 / 38

 Characteristics of strings

Strings and quantum gravity

We can generalize this for Dp-branes.

Z
Sp = Tp dµp ,

dµ2p = det(gµν (X )∂α X µ ∂β X ν )d p+1 σ.

For a string (p = 1):
√
Z
T
S= dσ 2 −hhαβ gµν ∂α X µ ∂β X ν
2
(Polyakov action).

gµν (X ) is created from the p. spectrum.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 6 / 38

 Characteristics of strings

Other backgrounds

When there are electromagnetic interactions, particles respond by

an action: Z
SA = Aµ ẋ µ dτ

For string it gets messier because its charges are ”oriented”, it

requires a 2-form B field
Z
1
SB = αβ Bµν (X )∂α X µ ∂β X ν d 2 σ
4πα0 M

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 7 / 38

 Characteristics of strings

Other backgrounds

When there are electromagnetic interactions, particles respond by

an action: Z
SA = Aµ ẋ µ dτ

For string it gets messier because its charges are ”oriented”, it

requires a 2-form B field
Z
1
SB = αβ Bµν (X )∂α X µ ∂β X ν d 2 σ
4πα0 M
Interactions between strings are given by a dilaton Φ term:
Z √
1
SΦ = hΦ(X )R (2) (h)d 2 z
4π M

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 7 / 38

 Open and closed strings

String vibrations

Z
1
S =− d 2 σ∂α Xµ ∂ α X µ (hαβ = η αβ , g µν (X ) = η µν ).
2π
Particles are different vibrational modes of a string.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 8 / 38

 Open and closed strings

Boundary conditions
Periodic conditions: They generate Closed strings
X µ (σ, τ ) = X µ (σ + π, τ )
The graviton appears as a massless mode of this spectrum.

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 Open and closed strings

Boundary conditions
Periodic conditions: They generate Closed strings
X µ (σ, τ ) = X µ (σ + π, τ )
The graviton appears as a massless mode of this spectrum.

Neumann conditions: The ends of the open string can be

anywhere in the space-time
d µ d µ
X (σ = 0, τ ) = 0, X (σ = π, τ ) = 0.
dσ dσ

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 9 / 38

 Open and closed strings

Boundary conditions
Periodic conditions: They generate Closed strings
X µ (σ, τ ) = X µ (σ + π, τ )
The graviton appears as a massless mode of this spectrum.

Neumann conditions: The ends of the open string can be

anywhere in the space-time
d µ d µ
X (σ = 0, τ ) = 0, X (σ = π, τ ) = 0.
dσ dσ

Dirichlet conditions: When the open string ends on a space-

time hypersurface (D-branes).
X µ (σ = 0, τ ) = X0 , X µ (σ = π, τ ) = Xπ .
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 Open and closed strings

Open string

Dirichlet and Neumann strings.

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 Open and closed strings

Light cone fixing

By reparametrization invariance we may choose hαβ = ηαβ ;
Z  2  2 !
T ∂X ∂X
S= d 2σ −
2 ∂τ ∂σ
 2
∂2

∂
δS = 0 → − Xµ = 0
∂σ 2 ∂τ 2

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 Open and closed strings

Light cone fixing

By reparametrization invariance we may choose hαβ = ηαβ ;
Z  2  2 !
T ∂X ∂X
S= d 2σ −
2 ∂τ ∂σ
 2
∂2

∂
δS = 0 → − Xµ = 0
∂σ 2 ∂τ 2
Light-cone coordinates: σ ± = τ ± σ, ∂± = 12 [∂τ ± ∂σ ].
∂+ ∂− X µ = ∂+ ∂− XRµ (σ − ) + XLµ (σ + ) = 0.
 

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 11 / 38

 Open and closed strings

Light cone fixing

By reparametrization invariance we may choose hαβ = ηαβ ;
Z  2  2 !
T ∂X ∂X
S= d 2σ −
2 ∂τ ∂σ
 2
∂2

∂
δS = 0 → − Xµ = 0
∂σ 2 ∂τ 2
Light-cone coordinates: σ ± = τ ± σ, ∂± = 12 [∂τ ± ∂σ ].
∂+ ∂− X µ = ∂+ ∂− XRµ (σ − ) + XLµ (σ + ) = 0.
 

For closed strings

+∞ +∞
µ −2imσ − +
X X
∂− XRµ = ls αm e , ∂− XLµ = ls µ −2imσ
α̃m e .
m=−∞ m=−∞

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 11 / 38

 String quantization

String expansions
For an open Neumann string:
X αµ
m −imτ
X µ (τ, σ) = x µ + ls2 p µ τ + ils e cos mσ.
m6=0
m

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 12 / 38

 String quantization

String expansions
For an open Neumann string:
X αµ
m −imτ
X µ (τ, σ) = x µ + ls2 p µ τ + ils e cos mσ.
m6=0
m

Canonical quantization:
µ
[αm µ
, αnν ] = [α̃m , α̃nν ] = mη µν δm+n,0 , µ
[αm , α̃nν ] = 0.

αm , m > 0 destroys particles.

αm , m < 0 creates particles.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 12 / 38

 String quantization

String expansions
For an open Neumann string:
X αµ
m −imτ
X µ (τ, σ) = x µ + ls2 p µ τ + ils e cos mσ.
m6=0
m

Canonical quantization:
µ
[αm µ
, αnν ] = [α̃m , α̃nν ] = mη µν δm+n,0 , µ
[αm , α̃nν ] = 0.

αm , m > 0 destroys particles.

αm , m < 0 creates particles.
The resulting energy quantization
∞
1 X
H = α02 + α−n · αn .
2 n=1

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 12 / 38

 String quantization

Dimensions
Physical particles obey a mass-shell condition:
∞
D−2
!
2 X X
M 2 = −pµ p µ = E 2 − |p|2 = 2 αi αi − 1
ls i=1 n=1 −n n
∞ ∞
D−2
!
1 X X
i
X
= 2 : α−n αni : +(D − 2) n .
ls i=1 n=−∞ n=1

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 13 / 38

 String quantization

Dimensions
Physical particles obey a mass-shell condition:
∞
D−2
!
2 X X
M 2 = −pµ p µ = E 2 − |p|2 = 2 αi αi − 1
ls i=1 n=1 −n n
∞ ∞
D−2
!
1 X X
i
X
= 2 : α−n αni : +(D − 2) n .
ls i=1 n=−∞ n=1

P∞ 1 D −2
Since n=1 n = − 12 then = 1 → D = 26 .
24

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 13 / 38

 String quantization

Dimensions
Physical particles obey a mass-shell condition:
∞
D−2
!
2 X X
M 2 = −pµ p µ = E 2 − |p|2 = 2 αi αi − 1
ls i=1 n=1 −n n
∞ ∞
D−2
!
1 X X
i
X
= 2 : α−n αni : +(D − 2) n .
ls i=1 n=−∞ n=1

P∞ 1 D −2
Since n=1 n = − 12 then = 1 → D = 26 .
24

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 Superstring theories

Superstring theories and the M-theory

Those strings were bosonic, we also need to introduce fermions by
Supersymmetry.

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 Superstring theories

Calabi–Yau manifolds

When SUSY is included D = 10. The 6 ”unseen” spatial dimensions

may be smaller than our currently observable lengths.

3D projection of the 6D Calabi–Yau manifold.

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 Type I, II strings

RNS formalism: World-sheet SUSY

Z
1 h µ
i
S =− d 2 σ ∂α Xµ ∂ α X µ + ψ ρα ∂α ψµ
2π
ψ− are left moving modes, ψ+ right moving.

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 Type I, II strings

RNS formalism: World-sheet SUSY

Z
1 h µ
i
S =− d 2 σ ∂α Xµ ∂ α X µ + ψ ρα ∂α ψµ
2π
ψ− are left moving modes, ψ+ right moving. Boundary conditions:
Ramond sector: Space-time fermions.
ψ+ (σ, τ ) = +ψ− (σ + π, τ ) (Closed)
− +
X X
µ
ψ− (σ − ) = µ
dnµ e −2inσ , ψ+ (σ + ) = d˜nµ e −2inσ
n∈Z n∈Z

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 16 / 38

 Type I, II strings

RNS formalism: World-sheet SUSY

Z
1 h µ
i
S =− d 2 σ ∂α Xµ ∂ α X µ + ψ ρα ∂α ψµ
2π
ψ− are left moving modes, ψ+ right moving. Boundary conditions:
Ramond sector: Space-time fermions.
ψ+ (σ, τ ) = +ψ− (σ + π, τ ) (Closed)
− +
X X
µ
ψ− (σ − ) = µ
dnµ e −2inσ , ψ+ (σ + ) = d˜nµ e −2inσ
n∈Z n∈Z

Neveu-Schwarz sector: Space-time bosons.

ψ+ (σ, τ ) = −ψ− (σ + π, τ ) (Closed)
− +
µ
X µ
X
ψ− (σ − ) = brµ e −2inσ , ψ+ (σ + ) = b̃rµ e −2inσ
r ∈Z+ 12 n∈Z+ 12

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 16 / 38

 Type I, II strings

Γ11 ψ = ±ψ (chirality), Γ11 = Γ0 Γ1 . . . Γ9

Same chirality: Type IIA.
i j
|+iR ⊗ |+iR , b̃− 1 |0iNS ⊗ b 1 |0iNS
−
2 2

i i
b̃− 1 |0iNS ⊗ |+iR , |+iR ⊗ b− 1 |0iNS
2 2

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 Type I, II strings

Γ11 ψ = ±ψ (chirality), Γ11 = Γ0 Γ1 . . . Γ9

Same chirality: Type IIA.
i j
|+iR ⊗ |+iR , b̃− 1 |0iNS ⊗ b 1 |0iNS
−
2 2

i i
b̃− 1 |0iNS ⊗ |+iR , |+iR ⊗ b− 1 |0iNS
2 2

Opposite chirality: Type II B.

i j
|−iR ⊗ |+iR , b̃− 1 |0iNS ⊗ b 1 |0iNS
−
2 2

i i
b̃− 1 |0iNS ⊗ |+iR , |−iR ⊗ b− 1 |0iNS
2 2

Type I (IIB orientifold projection) of open strings

ψ+ |σ=π = +ψ− |σ=π (R), ψ+ |σ=π = −ψ− |σ=π (NS)
Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 17 / 38
 Type I, II strings

GS formalism: Space-time SUSY

For a particle in flat space time
Z p Z p
S = −m −Ẋ · Ẋ dτ = −m −Π0 · Π0 dτ, Πµ0 = Ẋ µ

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 18 / 38

 Type I, II strings

GS formalism: Space-time SUSY

For a particle in flat space time
Z p Z p
S = −m −Ẋ · Ẋ dτ = −m −Π0 · Π0 dτ, Πµ0 = Ẋ µ

To make it SUSY, Πµ0 → Ẋ µ − ΘΓµ Θ̇.

Z p 
S = −m −Π0 · Π0 + ΘΓ11 Θ̇ dτ.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 18 / 38

 Type I, II strings

GS formalism: Space-time SUSY

For a particle in flat space time
Z p Z p
S = −m −Ẋ · Ẋ dτ = −m −Π0 · Π0 dτ, Πµ0 = Ẋ µ

To make it SUSY, Πµ0 → Ẋ µ − ΘΓµ Θ̇.

Z p 
S = −m −Π0 · Π0 + ΘΓ11 Θ̇ dτ.

This can be generalized to strings (complicated), the (non-trivial) result:

Z
1 h a α
i
S =− d σ ∂α Xi ∂ X + S ρ ∂α S , (Sαa ⊂ ΘA )
2 α i b
2π
No more anomalies.
No more tachyons, no need of GSO projection.
Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 18 / 38
 Type I, II strings

T-duality
A duality is a when a theory can become into another one by a suitable
transformation. For example the electric and magnetic parts of Maxwell’s
equations are dual to each other
∂µ ? F µν = Jeν , ∂µ F µν = Jmν

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 19 / 38

 Type I, II strings

T-duality
A duality is a when a theory can become into another one by a suitable
transformation. For example the electric and magnetic parts of Maxwell’s
equations are dual to each other
∂µ ? F µν = Jeν , ∂µ F µν = Jmν

T-duality is a compactification of spatial dimensions. A circle of radius

R transforms to a dual circle of radius
α0
R→ .
R
In strings this is intechanges the momentum p0 and thus
XR → −XR , XL → XL

X 0 (σ, τ ) = XL (σ + ) + XR (σ − )
Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 19 / 38
 Type I, II strings

T duality on open strings

For example the Neumann string

X αµ
m −imτ
X µ (τ, σ) = x µ + ls2 p µ τ + ils e cos mσ.
m6=0
m

becomes into a dual Dirichlet string

X αµ
m −imτ
X µ (τ, σ) = x µ + ls2 p µ τ + ils e sin mσ.
m6=0
m

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 20 / 38

 Type I, II strings

T duality on open strings

For example the Neumann string

X αµ
m −imτ
X µ (τ, σ) = x µ + ls2 p µ τ + ils e cos mσ.
m6=0
m

becomes into a dual Dirichlet string

X αµ
m −imτ
X µ (τ, σ) = x µ + ls2 p µ τ + ils e sin mσ.
m6=0
m

It has now boundary conditions:

X 0 (σ, 0) = x̃, X 0 (σ, 0) = x̃ + 2πKR 0 .

It wraps R 0 K times, so it cannot unwind without breaking.

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 Type I, II strings

Dp-branes
The hyperplane X = x̃ is a Dirichlet-brane (D-brane) of p = D − T
spatial dimensions.

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 Heterotic strings

SO(32) Heterotic string theory

26-D bosonic (or fermionic) string for the left-movers +

10-D Type II superstring for the right-movers =
Heterotic superstrings.

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 Heterotic strings

SO(32) Heterotic string theory

26-D bosonic (or fermionic) string for the left-movers +

10-D Type II superstring for the right-movers =
Heterotic superstrings.
If we choose the fermionic way:

S = STypes + Sfermionic
Z " 32
#
1 µ X A
=− d 2 σ ∂α Xµ ∂ α X µ + ψ ρα ∂α ψµ + λ ρα ∂α λA
2π A=1

This action has SO(32) gauge symmetry.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 22 / 38

 Heterotic strings

SO(32) Heterotic string theory

26-D bosonic (or fermionic) string for the left-movers +

10-D Type II superstring for the right-movers =
Heterotic superstrings.
If we choose the fermionic way:

S = STypes + Sfermionic
Z " 32
#
1 µ X A
=− d 2 σ ∂α Xµ ∂ α X µ + ψ ρα ∂α ψµ + λ ρα ∂α λA
2π A=1

This action has SO(32) gauge symmetry.

µ
10 XR (σ − ), XL (σ + ), ψ− (σ − ) and 32 fermionic λA (σ + ), the central
charge 10 + 32/2 = 26.
Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 22 / 38
 Heterotic strings

E8 × E8 Heterotic string theory

Boundary conditions can be
λA (σ + π, τ ) = ±λA (σ, τ )
If n of the fermions λA satisfy the same boundary conditions (A, P),
and the other (32 − n) fermions have the opposite ones (P, A).

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 23 / 38

 Heterotic strings

E8 × E8 Heterotic string theory

Boundary conditions can be
λA (σ + π, τ ) = ±λA (σ, τ )
If n of the fermions λA satisfy the same boundary conditions (A, P),
and the other (32 − n) fermions have the opposite ones (P, A).
SO(32) → SO(n) × SO(32 − n)

where n is a multiple of 8.
If n = 32 or 0 we recover the same SO(32).
If n = 8, 24 we find anomalies. No theory.
If n = 16 the theory is congruent, but it is enhanced to the SHE :
SO(16) × SO(16) → E8 × E8 .

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 23 / 38

 M-theory

S-duality

SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1) ⊂ SU(5) ⊂ SO(10) ⊂ E6 ⊂ E7 ⊂ E8 .

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 24 / 38

 M-theory

S-duality

SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1) ⊂ SU(5) ⊂ SO(10) ⊂ E6 ⊂ E7 ⊂ E8 .

It relates the string coupling constant gs to 1/gs .

It affects the dilaton field:

1
eΦ → ; Φ → −Φ
eΦ

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 24 / 38

 M-theory

S-duality

SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1) ⊂ SU(5) ⊂ SO(10) ⊂ E6 ⊂ E7 ⊂ E8 .

It relates the string coupling constant gs to 1/gs .

It affects the dilaton field:

1
eΦ → ; Φ → −Φ
eΦ

For example, strongly coupled type I theory is equivalent to weakly

coupled SO(32) heterotic theory.

In the type IIB case the theory is related to itself, so one is actually
dealing with a symmetry.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 24 / 38

 M-theory

11D SUGRA

The Einstein field equations in D-dimensions can be found from an

action
√
Z
1 1
S= −g R(g )d D x → Rµν − Rgµν = Tµν .
16πGD 2
This is a classical field theory. It is non-renormalizable, it requires stringy
corrections.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 25 / 38

 M-theory

11D SUGRA

The Einstein field equations in D-dimensions can be found from an

action
√
Z
1 1
S= −g R(g )d D x → Rµν − Rgµν = Tµν .
16πGD 2
This is a classical field theory. It is non-renormalizable, it requires stringy
corrections.

It has no fermionic content since they are not classical

√
Z    
1 11 1 2 1
S= 2 d x −G R − |F4 | − A3 ∧ F4 ∧ F4 .
2κ11 2 6
F4 = dA3 . Fermionic degrees include the gravitino.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 25 / 38

 M-theory

M-theory
Consider 11-dimensional supergravity compactified on a circle. The
mass of the supergraviton is zero:
2
M11 = −pM p M = p11
2
+ pµ p µ = 0

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 26 / 38

 M-theory

M-theory
Consider 11-dimensional supergravity compactified on a circle. The
mass of the supergraviton is zero:
2
M11 = −pM p M = p11
2
+ pµ p µ = 0
Momentum is quantized in the 11−D, thus the spectrum of ten-
dimensional masses  2
2 2 N
M10 = p11 =
R11
But the masses of IIA D0-branes are M = 1/(ls gs ) thus (N = 1):
R11 = ls gs .

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 26 / 38

 M-theory

M-theory
Consider 11-dimensional supergravity compactified on a circle. The
mass of the supergraviton is zero:
2
M11 = −pM p M = p11
2
+ pµ p µ = 0
Momentum is quantized in the 11−D, thus the spectrum of ten-
dimensional masses  2
2 2 N
M10 = p11 =
R11
But the masses of IIA D0-branes are M = 1/(ls gs ) thus (N = 1):
R11 = ls gs .
This new theory is the M-theory (“mysterious” or “magical”).
At low energies it is approximated by a 11d SUGRA.
This is candidate for a single theory of all.
Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 26 / 38
 M-theory

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 Gauge/gravity

Gauge/gravity dualities

Instead of studying complicated string theories we may convert the

problem to one of Quantum field theories by a duality.

Normally they are like S-duality, one strong, one weak.

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 Gauge/gravity

Gauge/gravity dualities

Instead of studying complicated string theories we may convert the

problem to one of Quantum field theories by a duality.

Normally they are like S-duality, one strong, one weak.

The main dualities:

Matrix theory

Phase transitions

AdS/CFT

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 Gauge/gravity

Matrix theory

Exact quantum mechanical description of M-theory.

Applicable in flat 11-dimensional or toroidal space-time.

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 Gauge/gravity

Matrix theory

Exact quantum mechanical description of M-theory.

Applicable in flat 11-dimensional or toroidal space-time.

The M-theory becomes quantum mechanics of N × N matrices in

the large N limit (even finite).
p11 = N/R → ∞
Then the D0-branes of IIA N → ∞ and thus their action
Z  
1 2 i 2

1  i j 2
S= d σ Tr − Dτ X + X , X
2R 2
Then M-theory is just a quantum mechanical system of U(N).
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 Gauge/gravity

Phase transitions

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 AdS/CFT

Type IIB AdS/CFT

Dp-branes of IIB create a curvature on space time of the form:
  r 7−p − 12   r 7−p  12
p p
ds 2 = 1 + dr 2 + r 2 dΩ2p .


dx · dx + 1 +
r r

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 AdS/CFT

Type IIB AdS/CFT

Dp-branes of IIB create a curvature on space time of the form:
  r 7−p − 12   r 7−p  12
p p
ds 2 = 1 + dr 2 + r 2 dΩ2p .


dx · dx + 1 +
r r
  r 7−p  3−p
4
Φp
e = gs 1 +
r
Then perturbative theory is valid only for p = 3 (constant dilaton).

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 AdS/CFT

Type IIB AdS/CFT

Dp-branes of IIB create a curvature on space time of the form:
  r 7−p − 12   r 7−p  12
p p
ds 2 = 1 + dr 2 + r 2 dΩ2p .


dx · dx + 1 +
r r
  r 7−p  3−p
4
Φ p
e = gs 1 +
r
Then perturbative theory is valid only for p = 3 (constant dilaton).Near
the horizon it takes (r3 = R):
 r 2  2
2 R
ds ∼ dx · dx + dr 2 + dΩ25
R r
dx · dx + dz 2
ds 2 ∼ R 2 + R 2 dΩ25
z2
So this is a product of AdS5 and S5 space.
Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 31 / 38
 AdS/CFT

Anti de Sitter space

The general anti-de Sitter space is

dx · dx + dz 2
ds 2 = R 2
z2
where z = R 2 /r .
The boundary r → ∞, is now at z = 0.
The singularity r = 0 at z → ∞.

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 AdS/CFT

Anti de Sitter space

The general anti-de Sitter space is

dx · dx + dz 2
ds 2 = R 2
z2
where z = R 2 /r .
The boundary r → ∞, is now at z = 0.
The singularity r = 0 at z → ∞.
By a coordinate change
dv 2
ds 2 = 2
+ v 2 dΩ2p + (1 + v 2 )dθ2 .
1+v
with θ the time (now periodic).
The energy appears to be quantized.
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 AdS/CFT

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 AdS/CFT

This is solved by replacing the AdS space-time with its covering CAdS
1  2 2
ds 2 = 2 2

dρ + sin ρdΩp − dt .
cos2 ρ
The bulk of the theory (Bp+1 × R) is then described by its boundary
(S p × R).
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 AdS/CFT

Z  Z 
−Sstring
Zstring (φ0 ) = Dφe ↔ exp φ0 O
φ0 Sd CFT
This is the equivalence of conformally invariant quantum field theories
(boundary) and superstring theory or M-theory (bulk).

This duality is a holography

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 AdS/CFT

Z  Z 
−Sstring
Zstring (φ0 ) = Dφe ↔ exp φ0 O
φ0 Sd CFT
This is the equivalence of conformally invariant quantum field theories
(boundary) and superstring theory or M-theory (bulk).

This duality is a holography

SCFT on D3-branes ↔ type IIB on AdS5 ×S5 (10-D).

SCFT on M2-branes ↔ M-theory on AdS4 ×S7 (11-D).
SCFT on M5-branes ↔ M-theory on AdS7 ×S4 (11-D).

It is of interest to study dS/CFT correspondence for the expansion of

the universe (S-branes).

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 AdS/CFT

Visualization

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 AdS/CFT

Challenges to face

Explain Particle Physics (many solutions).

Understand the Role of Supersymmetry.

Superstring cosmology.

Understand Empty Space (dark matter).

Find a Compelling Formulation of the Theory.

Black hole information and holography.

Sergio Ernesto Aguilar Gutiérrez String theory 36 / 38

 AdS/CFT

Some bibliography

Becker, K., Becker, M., & Schwarz, J. H. (2006). String theory

and M-theory: A modern introduction. Cambridge University Press.

Polchinski, J. (1998). String theory: Volume 2, superstring theory

and beyond. Cambridge university press.

Oriti, D. (Ed.). (2009). Approaches to quantum gravity: Toward a

new understanding of space, time and matter. Cambridge
University Press.

Nakahara, M. (2003). Geometry, topology and physics. CRC Press.

Maldacena, J. (1999). The large-N limit of superconformal field

theories and supergravity. International journal of theoretical
physics, 38(4), 1113-1133.
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 AdS/CFT

The end

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