Johnson, C. V.

2023
Cambridge University Press Cambridge

Abstract: D-branes represent a key theoretical tool in the understanding of strongly coupled superstring theory and M-theory. They have led to many striking discoveries, including the precise microphysics underlying the thermodynamic behaviour of certain black holes, and remarkable holographic dualities between large-N gauge theories and gravity. This book provides a self-contained introduction to the technology of D-branes, presenting the recent developments and ideas in a pedagogical manner. It is suitable for use as a textbook in graduate courses on modern string theory and theoretical particle physics, and will also be an indispensable reference for seasoned practitioners. The introductory material is developed by first starting with the main features of string theory needed to get rapidly to grips with D-branes, uncovering further aspects while actually working with D-branes. Many advanced applications are covered, with discussions of open problems which could form the basis for other avenues of research.

Keyword(s): book ; membrane model: D-brane ; string model ; background field ; supersymmetry ; bound state ; strong coupling ; duality ; compactification ; M-theory ; F-theory ; black hole ; gauge field theory ; holography ; renormalization group ; bibliography ; thema EDItEUR::P Mathematics and Science::PH Physics::PHN Nuclear physics ; relativistic strings ; world-sheet ; strings on circles ; T-duality ; world-volume actions ; D-branes ; tension and boundary states ; supersymmetric strings ; world-volume curvature couplings ; geometry of D-branes ; strong coupling ; string duality ; K3 orientifolds ; compactification ; M-theory ; F-theory ; black holes ; gravity and gauge theory ; holographic renormalisation group ; Textbook ; Particle Physics and Nuclear Physics ; Physics and Astronomy ; Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Physics