Zero-Branes, Quantum Mechanics and the Cosmological Constant

TL;DR

This paper explores a modified supergravity theory that admits de Sitter space and finds multiple zero-brane solutions, proposing a new matrix model for M-theory with a cosmological constant.

Contribution

It introduces a massive deformation of the M(atrix) theory based on a modified supergravity that supports de Sitter space and zero-brane solutions.

Findings

Multiple zero-brane solutions in the modified theory

Proposal of a new matrix model for M-theory with a cosmological constant

Implications for quantum descriptions of de Sitter space

Abstract

We analyse some dynamical issues in a modified type IIA supergravity, recently proposed as an extension of M-theory that admits de Sitter space. In particular we find that this theory has multiple zero-brane solutions. This suggests a microscopic quantum mechanical matrix description which yields a massive deformation of the usual M(atrix) formulation of M-theory and type IIA string theory.