The unifying superalgebra OSp(1|32)
Abstract
We show how OSp(1|32) gives a unifying framework to describe d=10 type II string theories, d=11 M-theory and d=12 F-theory. The theories are related by different identifications of their symmetry operators as generators of OSp(1|32). T- and S-dualities are recognized as redefinitions of generators. Some (s,t) signatures of spacetime allow reality conditions on the generators. All those that allow a real structure are related again by redefinitions within the algebra, due to the fact that the algebra OSp(1|32) has only one real realization. The redefinitions include space/space, time/time and space/time dualities. A further distinction between the theories is made by the identification of the translation generator. This distinguishes various versions of type II string theories, in particular the so-called *-theories, characterized by the fact that the P_0 generator is not the (unique) positive-definite energy operator in the algebra.
Cite
@article{arxiv.hep-th/0010194,
title = {The unifying superalgebra OSp(1|32)},
author = {Eric Bergshoeff and Antoine Van Proeyen},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:hep-th/0010194},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
contribution to the proceedings of the International Conference `Quantization, Gauge Theory and Strings' dedicated to the memory of Professor Efim Fradkin, Moscow, June 2000; 12 pages