Probing non-perturbative effects in M-theory on orientifolds

TL;DR

This paper investigates non-perturbative effects in M-theory on orientifolds using holography, focusing on the S^3 partition functions of dual field theories and identifying novel 'half instanton' corrections due to orientifold planes.

Contribution

It introduces the analysis of half instanton corrections in the context of M-theory on orientifolds, extending previous understanding of instanton effects in related gauge theories.

Findings

Identification of half instanton corrections from orientifold planes

Extension of Fermi gas approach to orientifolded theories

Analysis of non-perturbative effects in M-theory via dual field theories

Abstract

Using holography, we study non-perturbative effects in M-theory on orientifolds from the analysis of the S^3 partition functions of dual field theories. We consider the S^3 partition functions of N=4 Yang-Mills theory with O(n) gauge symmetry coupled to one (anti)symmetric and N_f fundamental hypermultiplets from the Fermi gas approach. In addition to the worldsheet instanton and membrane instanton corrections to the grand potential, which are also present in the U(n) Yang-Mills case, we find that there exist "half instanton" corrections coming from the effect of orientifold plane.