Algebraic brane dynamics on SU(2): excitation spectra

TL;DR

This paper studies the excitation spectra of D2-branes on SU(2) using a matrix model, revealing a tachyon-free spectrum similar to previous methods but missing some zero modes, and calculates the mass of connecting states.

Contribution

It introduces a matrix model for finite-radius SU(2) branes and analyzes their excitation spectra, highlighting differences from prior approaches and computing inter-brane state masses.

Findings

Spectrum is free of tachyonic modes.

Missing triplet of rotational zero modes.

Mass of connecting states proportional to arc length for small angles.

Abstract

We analyze the dynamics of D2-branes on SU(2) within a recently proposed matrix model, which works for finite radius of SU(2). The spectrum of single-brane excitations turns out to be free of tachyonic modes. It is similar to the spectrum found using DBI and CFT calculations, however the triplet of rotational zero modes is missing. This is attributed to a naive treatment of the quantum symmetries of the model. The mass of the lightest states connecting two different branes is also calculated, and found to be proportional to the arc length for small angles.