Fractional M2-branes

TL;DR

This paper explores quantum aspects and dual descriptions of generalized superconformal Chern-Simons-matter theories that model M2-branes at orbifold singularities, extending known theories to new gauge groups and flux configurations.

Contribution

It introduces quantum analyses and dual descriptions for new classes of superconformal theories with diverse gauge groups and fluxes, expanding the understanding of M2-brane models.

Findings

Identification of quantum properties of the theories.

Detailed dual descriptions in M theory and type IIA string theory.

Connection of theories to M2-branes at specific orbifold singularities.

Abstract

We consider two generalizations of the N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons-matter theories with gauge group U(N)xU(N). The first generalization is to N=6 superconformal U(M)xU(N) theories, and the second to N=5 superconformal O(2M)xUSp(2N) and O(2M+1)xUSp(2N) theories. These theories are conjectured to describe M2-branes probing C^4/Z_k in the unitary case, and C^4/\hat{D}_k in the orthogonal/symplectic case, together with a discrete flux, which can be interpreted as |M-N| fractional M2-branes localized at the orbifold singularity. The classical theories with these gauge groups have been constructed before; in this paper we focus on some quantum aspects of these theories, and on a detailed description of their M theory and type IIA string theory duals.