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We deform the standard four dimensional $\N=1$ superspace by making the odd coordinates $\theta$ not anticommuting, but satisfying a Clifford algebra. Consistency determines the other commutation relations of the coordinates. In particular,…
In this work we provide the motivation for considering non-Riemannian models in cosmology. Non-Riemannian extensions of general relativity theory have been studied for a long time. In such theories the spacetime continuum is no longer…
Many two-dimensional classical field theories have hidden symmetries that form an infinite-dimensional algebra. For those examples that correspond to effective descriptions of compactified superstring theories, the duality group is expected…
Non-Riemannian gravitational theories suggest alternative avenues to understand properties of quantum gravity and provide a concrete setting to study condensed matter systems with non-relativistic symmetry. Derivation of an action principle…
We examine the two-dimensional spacetimes that emerge from string theory. We find all the solutions with no tachyons, and show that the only non-trivial solution is the black hole spacetime. We examine the role of duality in this picture.…
Making use of the T-duality symmetry of superstring theory, and of the double geometry from Double Field Theory, we argue that cosmological singularities of a homogeneous and isotropic universe disappear. In fact, an apparent big bang…
Present day physics rests on two main pillars: General relativity and quantum field theory. We discuss the deep and at the same time problematic interplay between these two theories. Based on an argument by Doplicher, Fredenhagen, and…
A string theory in $3$ euclidean spacetime dimensions is found to describe the semiclassical behavior of a certain exact physical state of quantum general relativity in $4$ dimensions. Both the worldsheet and the three dimensional metric…
We relate two formulations of the recently constructed double field theory to a frame-like geometrical formalism developed by Siegel. A self-contained presentation of this formalism is given, including a discussion of the constraints and…
This is a general introduction to duality in field theories. The existence and breaking of global symmetries is used as a guideline to systematically prove duality between different field theories. Systems discussed include abelian and…
We develop a group-theoretical approach to the formulation of generalized abelian gauge theories, such as those appearing in string theory and M-theory. We explore several applications of this approach. First, we show that there is an…
This is the written version of lectures presented at Cargese 95. A new formulation for a ``restricted'' type of target space duality in classical two dimensional nonlinear sigma models is presented. The main idea is summarized by the…
$N=2$ string theories are formulated in space-times with 2 space and 2 time dimensions. If the world-sheet matter system consists of 2 chiral superfields, the space-time is Kahler and the dynamics are those of anti-self-dual gravity. If…
We describe the geomety of a set of scalar fields coupled to gravity. We consider the formalism of a differential Z_2-graded algebra of $2\times 2$ matrices whose elements are differential forms on space-time. The connection and the…
We present a flux formulation of Double Field Theory, in which geometric and non-geometric fluxes are dynamical and field-dependent. Gauge consistency imposes a set of quadratic constraints on the dynamical fluxes, which can be solved by…
The classical and continuum limit of a quantum gravitational setting could lead, at mesoscopic regimes, to a very different notion of geometry w.r.t. the pseudo-Riemannian one of special and general relativity. A possible way to…
We give a brief overview of the nature of spacetime emerging from string theory. This is radically different from the familiar spacetime of Einstein's relativity. At a perturbative level, the spacetime metric appears as ``coupling…
Generalised diffeomorphisms in double field theory rely on an O(d,d) structure defined on tangent space. We show that any (pseudo-)Riemannian metric on the doubled space defines such a structure, in the sense that the generalised…
It is well-known that if we gauge a $\mathbb{Z}_n$ symmetry in two dimensions, a dual $\mathbb{Z}_n$ symmetry appears, such that re-gauging this dual $\mathbb{Z}_n$ symmetry leads back to the original theory. We describe how this can be…
We present a global analysis of the geometries that arise in non-compact current algebra (or gauged WZW) coset models of strings and particles propagating in curved space-time. The simplest case is the 2d black hole. In higher dimensions…