Related papers: What does E_8 know about 11 dimensions ?
We discuss some aspects of the relation between space-time properties of branes in string theory, and the gauge theory on their worldvolume, for models invariant under four supercharges in three and four dimensions. We show that a simple…
Gauge symmetries play an essential role in determining the interactions of particle physics. Where do they come from? Might the gauge symmetries of the Standard Model unify in the ultraviolet or might they be emergent in the infrared, below…
We present the supersymmetric extension of the recently constructed E$_{8(8)}$ exceptional field theory -- the manifestly U-duality covariant formulation of the untruncated ten- and eleven-dimensional supergravities. This theory is…
In previous work we proposed a field theory model for multiple M2-branes based on an algebra with a totally antisymmetric triple product. In this paper we gauge a symmetry that arises from the algebra's triple product. We then construct a…
Higher-order invariants and their role as possible counterterms for supergravity theories are reviewed. It is argued that N=8 supergravity will diverge at 5 loops. The construction of $R^4$ superinvariants in string and M-theory is…
These lectures aim to provide a global picture of the spaces of consistent quantum supergravity theories and string vacua in higher dimensions. The lectures focus on theories in the even dimensions 10, 8, and 6. Supersymmetry, along with…
We extend earlier ideas about the appearance of noncommutative geometry in string theory with a nonzero B-field. We identify a limit in which the entire string dynamics is described by a minimally coupled (supersymmetric) gauge theory on a…
It is an old speculation that SU(N) gauge theory can alternatively be formulated as a string theory. Recently this subject has been revived, in the wake of the discovery of D-branes. In particular, it has been argued that at least some…
We study the stringy description of N=1 supersymmetric SU(N) gauge theory on R^{1,2} X S^1. Our description is based on the known Klebanov-Strassler and Maldacena-Nunez solutions, properly modified to account for the compact dimension. The…
An overview of new 4d supersymmetric gauge theories with 2-form gauge potentials constructed by various authors during the past five years is given. The key role of three particular types of interaction vertices is emphasized. These…
We determine the maximal gauge groups arising in $E_8$ heterotic string theory on $T^2$. Our analysis proceeds along two approaches. First, we start the moduli space of the supersymmetric heterotic string theory on $T^2$ focusing on points…
Duality groups of Abelian gauge theories on four manifolds and their reduction to two dimensions are considered. The duality groups include elements that relate different space-times in addition to relating different gauge-coupling…
We address the question of supersymmetry breaking of a higher dimensional supersymmetric theory due to coset space dimensional reduction. In particular we study a ten-dimensional supersymmetric $E_{8}$ gauge theory which is reduced over all…
This contribution gives a personal view on recent attempts to find a unified framework for non-perturbative string theories, with special emphasis on the hidden symmetries of supergravity and their possible role in this endeavor. A…
These lectures study two correspondences between gauge theories and integrable many-body systems. The first arises from infinite-dimensional Hamiltonian reduction and relates gauge-theoretic dynamics directly to Calogero--Moser-type systems…
We propose an explanation via string theory of the correspondence between the Coulomb branch of certain three-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories and certain moduli spaces of magnetic monopoles. The same construction also gives an…
We review in a pedagogical manner some of the efforts aiming to extend the gauge/gravity correspondence to non-conformal supersymmetric gauge theories in four dimensions. After giving a general overview, we discuss in detail two specific…
We re-examine the question of heterotic - heterotic string duality in six dimensions and argue that the $E_8\times E_8$ heterotic string, compactified on $K3$ with equal instanton numbers in the two $E_8$'s, has a self-duality that inverts…
In a recent paper, Polchinski and Strassler found a string theory dual of a gauge theory with reduced supersymmetry. Motivated by their approach, we perturb the $\N=8$ theory living on a set of N M2 branes to $\N=2$, by adding fermion mass…
We argue that eleven dimensional supergravity can be described by a non-linear realisation based on the group E_{11}. This requires a formulation of eleven dimensional supergravity in which the gravitational degrees of freedom are described…