The d=6, (2,0)-tensor multiplet coupled to self-dual strings

TL;DR

This paper explores the (2,0) tensor multiplet coupled to self-dual strings, revealing how central charges arise, the force between strings vanishes, and coupling constants are fixed by supersymmetry, with implications for charge quantization and compactification.

Contribution

It demonstrates the origin of central charges from supersymmetry algebra, fixed coupling constants, and the reduction to N=4 SYM upon compactification, providing new insights into (2,0) theories.

Findings

Net force between parallel strings vanishes

Coupling constants are fixed by supersymmetry and self-duality

Charge quantization condition reduces to N=4 SYM on a torus

Abstract

We show that the central charges that group theory allows in the (2,0) supersymmetry translations algebra arise from a string and a 3-brane by commuting two supercharges. We show that the net force between two such parallel strings vanishes. We show that all the coupling constants are fixed numbers, due to supersymmetry, and self-duality of the three-form field strength. We obtain a charge quantization for the self-dual field strength, and show that when compactifying on a two-torus, it reduces to the usual quantization condition of N=4 SYM with gauge group SU(2), and with coupling constant and theta angle given by the tau-parameter of the two-torus, provided that we pick that chiral theory which corresponds to a theta function with zero characteristics, as expected on manifolds of this form.