Boundary terms for supergravity and heterotic M-Theory

TL;DR

This paper derives new boundary conditions for eleven-dimensional supergravity on manifolds with boundary, resolving previous issues with infinite constants, and explores their implications for heterotic M-theory and supersymmetry.

Contribution

It introduces consistent boundary conditions and low energy actions for supergravity with boundaries, addressing previous divergence problems and linking to heterotic M-theory.

Findings

New boundary conditions compatible with supersymmetry

Resolution of infinite constant issues in the action

Implications for ten-dimensional reduction and gaugino condensation

Abstract

This paper considers eleven dimensional supergravity on a manifold with boundary and the theories related to heterotic $M$-theory, in which the matter is confined to the boundary. New low energy actions and boundary conditions on supergravity fields are derived. Previous problems with infinite constants in the action are overcome. The new boundary conditions are shown to be consistent with supersymmetry, and their role in the ten dimensional reduction and gaugino condensation is briefly discussed.