Time Evolution via S-branes

TL;DR

This paper explores the role of S-branes in string theory, demonstrating how they can model the formation of D-branes and strings through tachyon condensation, and revealing dualities and new tachyonic S-branes.

Contribution

It introduces solutions of S-brane actions that illustrate flux confinement and clarifies the dual S-brane descriptions of strings and D-branes, including new tachyonic S-branes.

Findings

Electric and magnetic flux are confined into strings and D-branes.

A dual S-brane description of strings and D-branes is proposed.

Critical electric field is identified as a self-dual point in string theory.

Abstract

Using S(pacelike)-branes defined through rolling tachyon solutions, we show how the dynamical formation of D(irichlet)-branes and strings in tachyon condensation can be understood. Specifically we present solutions of S-brane actions illustrating the classical confinement of electric and magnetic flux into fundamental strings and D-branes. The role of S-branes in string theory is further clarified and their RR charges are discussed. In addition, by examining ``boosted'' S-branes, we find what appears to be a surprising dual S-brane description of strings and D-branes, which also indicates that the critical electric field can be considered as a self-dual point in string theory. We also introduce new tachyonic S-branes as Euclidean counterparts to non-BPS branes.