M-Theory and Maximally Supersymmetric Gauge Theories
Abstract
In this informal review for non-specalists we discuss the construction of maximally supersymmetric gauge theories that arise on the worldvolumes branes in String Theory and M-Theory. Particular focus is made on the relatively recent construction of M2-brane worldvolume theories. In a formal sense, the existence of these quantum field theories can be viewed as predictions of M-Theory. Their construction is therefore a reinforcement of the ideas underlying String Theory and M-Theory. We also briefly discuss the six-dimensional conformal field theory that is expected to arise on M5-branes. The construction of this theory is not only an important open problem for M-Theory but also a significant challenge to our current understanding of quantum field theory more generally.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.1203.4244,
title = {M-Theory and Maximally Supersymmetric Gauge Theories},
author = {Neil Lambert},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1203.4244},
year = {2015}
}
Comments
Minor corrections and an added acknowledgement. Accepted for publication in Annual Reviews