T-branes, monopoles and S-duality

TL;DR

This paper explores the dual descriptions of T-branes in M-theory, revealing how monopole operators influence worldvolume theories and demonstrating dualities through partition function matches.

Contribution

It introduces a dual framework for studying T-branes with ADE singularities using class S theories and S-duality, extending understanding of their moduli spaces and dynamics.

Findings

Successful matching of squashed sphere partition functions supports the proposed dualities.

Extended the analysis of T-branes to all minimal nilpotent orbits in the ADE series.

Provided a new perspective on monopole operators' role in M-theory brane dynamics.

Abstract

M2 branes probing T-brane backgrounds in M-theory with ADE surface singularities perceive deformations on their worldvolume superpotentials by monopole operators. The dynamics and moduli spaces of the resulting theories can be studied using a dual description involving conventional superpotential terms and (the dimensional reduction of) class S trinion theories. By using the S-dual description of N=2 SU(N) SQCD with 2N flavors in four dimensions, we are able to study T-branes corresponding to all minimal nilpotent orbits for the whole ADE series. Our proposed dualities are supported by the match in squashed sphere partition functions.