Topological BPS charges in 10 and 11-dimensional supergravity

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the supersymmetry algebras of 10 and 11-dimensional supergravity, constructing topological charge expressions for various branes and monopoles, and examining their relations under dimensional reduction and T-duality.

Contribution

It introduces a unified framework for topological charges in supergravity, applicable to all M-, NS-, D-branes, and monopoles, including massive theories.

Findings

Topological charge expressions for all relevant branes and monopoles.

Matching of reduction and T-duality relations with brane configurations.

Validity of charge expressions in massive supergravity theories.

Abstract

We consider the supersymmetry algebras of the 10 and 11 dimensional maximal supergravities. We construct expressions from which the topological charge structure of the algebras can be determined in supersymmetric curved backgrounds. These are interpreted as the topological charges of the 1/2-BPS states that are found in the theories. We consider charges for all the M-, NS- and D-branes as well as the Kaluza Klein monopoles. We also show that the dimensional reduction relations between the 11-d and IIA charges, and T-duality relations of the IIA and IIB charges match those found for the branes themselves. Finally we consider the massive versions of the IIA and 11-d theories and find that the expressions for the charges, with a slight modification, are still valid in those instances.