Related papers: A Matrix Big Bang
We show that a class of 3+1 dimensional Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmologies can be embedded within a variety of solutions of string theory. In some realizations the apparent singularities associated with the big bang or big crunch are…
I review my work together with Piljin Yi on the spectrum of BPS-saturated states in N = 2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. In an M-theory description, such states are realized as certain two-brane configurations. We first show how the…
We construct a two-parameter four-dimensional non-BPS NS-NS smooth microstate solution that asymptotes to flat spacetime with a linear dilaton in type II superstring theory. From the microscopic point of view, the background is made out of…
This is a summary of key issues in Matrix Theory and its compactifications. It is emphasized that Matrix Theory is a valid Discrete Light Cone Quantization of M Theory with at least 6 noncompact asymptotically flat dimensions and 16 or 32…
We study string theory in supersymmetric time-dependent backgrounds. In the framework of general relativity, supersymmetry for spacetimes without flux implies the existence of a covariantly constant null vector, and a relatively simple form…
The past year has seen enormous progress in string theory. It has become clear that all of the different string theories are different limits of a single theory. Moreover, in certain limits, one obtains a new, eleven-dimensional structure…
The current understanding of M(atrix) theory is that in the large N limit certain supersymmetric Yang Mills theories become equivalent to M-theory in the infinite momentum frame. In this paper the conjecture is put forward that the…
The classical and quantum worldsheet theory describing nonrelativistic open string theory in an arbitrary nonrelativistic open and closed string background is constructed. We show that the low energy dynamics of open strings ending on n…
We investigate Landau-Ginzburg string theory with the singular superpotential X^{-1} on arbitrary Riemann surfaces. This theory, which is a topological version of the c=1 string at the self-dual radius, is solved using results from…
We study a configuration of a parallel F- (fundamental) and D- string in IIB string theory by considering its T-dual configuration in the matrix model description of M-theory. We show that certain non-perturbative features of string theory…
T-Duality on a timelike circle does not interchange IIA and IIB string theories, but takes the IIA theory to a type $IIB^*$ theory and the IIB theory to a type $IIA^*$ theory. The type $II^*$ theories admit E-branes, which are the images of…
We consider superstring theories on pp-wave backgrounds which result in an integrable ${\cal N}=(2,2)$ supersymmetric Landau-Ginzburg theory on the worldsheet. We obtain exact eigenvalues of the light-cone gauge superstring hamiltonian in…
We show that tree level ``resonant'' $N$ tachyon scattering amplitudes, which define a sensible ``bulk'' S -- matrix in critical (super) string theory in any dimension, have a simple structure in two dimensional space time, due to partial…
Yang-Mills theory in 2+1 dimensions showed to be a research area yielding firm results in theoretical physics when compared to lattice computations. Recent analysis displayed astonishing agreement for the value of the string tension and…
The duality-type symmetries of string cosmology naturally lead to a pre-big-bang phase of accelerated evolution as dual counterpart of the decelerated expansion of standard cosmology. We discuss several properties of this scenario,…
Recently, the author has constructed a series of four dimensional non-critical string theories with eight supercharges, dual to theories of light electric and magnetic charges, for which exact formulas for the central charge of the…
We consider two dimensional supergravity coupled to $\hat c=1$ matter. This system can also be interpreted as noncritical type 0 string theory in a two dimensional target space. After reviewing and extending the traditional descriptions of…
We identify a string theory counterpart of the dilatonic Melvin D=4 background describing a "magnetic flux tube" in low-energy field theory limit. The corresponding D=5 bosonic string model containing extra compact Kaluza-Klein dimension is…
The finite N version of Matrix theory describes M-theory and superstrings in so-called discretized light cone quantization (DLCQ). Its role has been explained for M-theory in 11 dimensions and for type IIA theory. We show novelties which…
In the strong coupling limit type IIA superstring theory develops an eleventh dimension that is not apparent in perturbation theory. This suggests the existence of a consistent 11d quantum theory, called M theory, which is approximated by…