Brane Descent Relations in M-theory

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model where BPS branes in M-theory are viewed as bound states of non-BPS M10-branes, constructed within a specific supergravity framework, revealing new insights into brane relations and stability.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of an unstable M10-brane in eleven dimensions and explores how BPS and non-BPS branes can be derived from it, extending the understanding of brane descent relations.

Findings

M10-brane can produce BPS M9-brane after tachyon condensation

Non-BPS D9-brane of type IIA arises from M10-brane reduction

Discussion of stabilization of non-BPS M-branes in Horava-Witten setup

Abstract

We discuss how the BPS branes of M-theory could be described as bound states of non-BPS M10-branes. This conjectured M10-brane is constructed as an unstable spacetime-filling brane in the massive eleven dimensional supergravity defined with a Killing direction, such that 1) the BPS M9-brane is obtained after the tachyonic mode of an M2-brane ending on it condenses, and 2) it gives the non-BPS D9-brane of the type IIA theory upon reduction. The existence of other non-BPS M-branes is also discussed, together with their possible stabilisation within the Horava-Witten construction.