Flux Quantization and the M-Theoretic Characters

TL;DR

This paper explores the topological structures of M-theory, focusing on flux quantization conditions and the role of characters and classes derived from the four-form and Pontrjagin classes, enhancing understanding of M-theoretic cohomology.

Contribution

It introduces new classes and investigates their associated generalized cohomology theories, providing insights into flux quantization in M-theory.

Findings

Characterization of flux quantization conditions

Development of candidate generalized cohomology theories

Enhanced understanding of topological structures in M-theory

Abstract

In a previous work, hep-th/0501245, we introduced characters and classes built out of the M-theory four-form and the Pontrjagin classes, which we used to express the Chern-Simons and the one-loop terms in a way that makes the topological structures behind them more transparent. In this paper we further investigate such classes and the corresponding candidate generalized cohomology theories. In particular, we study the flux quantization conditions that arise in this context.