OM Theory in Diverse Dimensions

TL;DR

This paper explores dual descriptions of non-commutative open string theories in multiple dimensions, proposing that at strong coupling, these theories relate to open membrane theories and gauge theories, revealing a web of dualities.

Contribution

It introduces conjectures linking NCOS theories to OM theories and gauge theories, expanding understanding of their strong coupling limits and dualities in various dimensions.

Findings

Strong coupling NCOS in 5D relates to light open membranes on M5-branes.

Duality between 2D supersymmetric U(n) gauge theory and NCOS with coupling 1/n.

New 6D theories generalizing little string theory from NS5-branes.

Abstract

Open string theories can be decoupled from closed strings and gravity by scaling to the critical electric field. We propose dual descriptions for the strong coupling limit of these NCOS (Non-Commutative Open String) theories in six or fewer spacetime dimensions. In particular, we conjecture that the five-dimensionsal NCOS theory at strong coupling, is a theory of light Open Membranes (OM), decoupled from gravity, on an M5-brane with a near-critical three-form field strength. The relation of OM theory to NCOS theories resembles that of M theory to Type II closed string theories. In two dimensions we conjecture that supersymmetric U($n$) gauge theory with a unit of electric flux is dual to the NCOS theory with string coupling $1 \over n$. A construction based on NS5-branes leads to new theories in six dimensions generalising the little string theory. A web of dualities relates all the above theories when they are compactified on tori.