Gauged Supergravities, Tensor Hierarchies, and M-Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores the structure of gauged supergravity theories, revealing their connection to M-theory degrees of freedom through tensor hierarchies and gauge field representations, emphasizing the necessity of these hierarchies for consistent gaugings.

Contribution

It introduces the role of tensor hierarchies in gauged supergravities and clarifies their relation to M-theory degrees of freedom, providing explicit examples in three dimensions.

Findings

Tensor hierarchies are essential for consistent gaugings.

Gauge charges and fields align with M-theory representations.

Explicit 3D example demonstrates all tensor fields appear.

Abstract

Deformations of maximal supergravity theories induced by gauging non-abelian subgroups of the duality group reveal the presence of charged M-theory degrees of freedom that are not necessarily contained in supergravity. The relation with M-theory degrees of freedom is confirmed by the representation assignments under the duality group of the gauge charges and the ensuing vector and tensor gauge fields. The underlying hierarchy of these gauge fields is required for consistency of general gaugings. As an example gauged maximal supergravity in three space-time dimensions is presented in a version where all possible tensor fields appear.