Exploring Double Field Theory

TL;DR

This paper develops a flux formulation of Double Field Theory where geometric and non-geometric fluxes are dynamical, revealing new constraints and connections relevant for understanding dualities and exotic branes.

Contribution

It introduces a flux formulation with dynamical fluxes, quadratic constraints, and generalized geometric structures, advancing the understanding of non-geometric fluxes in Double Field Theory.

Findings

Quadratic constraints relate to generalized Bianchi identities.

Consistent solutions involve truly double configurations.

Strong constraint-violating terms connect to gauged supergravities.

Abstract

We present a flux formulation of Double Field Theory, in which geometric and non-geometric fluxes are dynamical and field-dependent. Gauge consistency imposes a set of quadratic constraints on the dynamical fluxes, which can be solved by truly double configurations. The constraints are related to generalized Bianchi Identities for (non-)geometric fluxes in the double space, sourced by (exotic) branes. Following previous constructions, we then obtain generalized connections, torsion and curvatures compatible with the consistency conditions. The strong constraint-violating terms needed to make contact with gauged supergravities containing duality orbits of non-geometric fluxes, systematically arise in this formulation.