Multicharge Superstrings

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex network of multicharge superstrings in type IIB theory and their relation to six-dimensional ADE theories, shedding light on BPS spectra and string junctions.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of multicharge superstrings and analyzes their junctions and networks in relation to higher-dimensional theories and dualities.

Findings

Characterization of (p,q) superstring junctions and networks.

Connection between superstring configurations and ADE (2,0) theories.

Insights into BPS spectrum via string network analysis.

Abstract

There are an infinite number of type IIB superstrings in ten dimensions, called (p,q) strings, that are labeled by two distinct string charges. They can form string junctions and string networks. These are the key to understanding the Coulomb branch BPS spectrum of N=4 super Yang--Mills theories in four dimensions. Nongravitational theories that are analogous to type IIB superstring theory in some respects are the ADE (2,0) six-dimensional theories on the Coulomb branch. Each of them contains a finite number of half-BPS superstrings, which can be labeled by the root vectors of the Lie algebra. When the rank is greater than one, these strings can also form string junctions and string networks. The relationship between N=4 super Yang--Mills theories in four dimensions and the (2,0) theories in six dimensions can be explored by utilizing the duality between type IIB superstring theory compactified on a circle and M-theory compactified on a torus.