The M(atrix) model of M-theory

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the Matrix model of M-theory, covering its derivation, object construction, interactions, and extensions to various space-times, serving as a pedagogical resource.

Contribution

It offers a detailed, self-contained explanation of the Matrix model's foundations, derivations, and generalizations, enhancing understanding of M-theory's non-perturbative formulation.

Findings

Derivation of the model from supermembrane theory

Construction of M-theory objects using matrices

Derivation of gravitational interactions via Yang-Mills perturbation

Abstract

These lecture notes give a pedagogical and (mostly) self-contained review of some basic aspects of the Matrix model of M-theory. The derivations of the model as a regularized supermembrane theory and as the discrete light-cone quantization of M-theory are presented. The construction of M-theory objects from matrices is described, and gravitational interactions between these objects are derived using Yang-Mills perturbation theory. Generalizations of the model to compact and curved space-times are discussed, and the current status of the theory is reviewed.