Superstrings with Intrinsic Torsion

TL;DR

This paper classifies supersymmetric bosonic geometries in string theory using intrinsic torsion of G-structures, revealing new solutions with specific supersymmetry and brane configurations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive classification of static supersymmetric backgrounds in type II and heterotic string theories based on intrinsic torsion analysis.

Findings

Identifies necessary and sufficient conditions for supersymmetry preservation.

Classifies static supersymmetric backgrounds with G-structure intrinsic torsion.

Presents new solutions with fibred structures preserving various supersymmetries.

Abstract

We systematically analyse the necessary and sufficient conditions for the preservation of supersymmetry for bosonic geometries of the form R^{1,9-d} \times M_d, in the common NS-NS sector of type II string theory and also type I/heterotic string theory. The results are phrased in terms of the intrinsic torsion of G-structures and provide a comprehensive classification of static supersymmetric backgrounds in these theories. Generalised calibrations naturally appear since the geometries always admit NS or type I/heterotic fivebranes wrapping calibrated cycles. Some new solutions are presented. In particular we find d=6 examples with a fibred structure which preserve N=1,2,3 supersymmetry in type II and include compact type I/heterotic geometries.