BPS preons in M-theory and supergravity

TL;DR

The paper discusses the concept of BPS preons as fundamental elements of M-theory and reviews the lack of classical supergravity solutions preserving nearly all supersymmetry, suggesting a quantum nature for these preons.

Contribution

It introduces BPS preons in M-theory and analyzes the absence of supergravity solutions with 31/32 supersymmetries, indicating the need for quantum corrections.

Findings

No classical supergravity solutions with 31/32 supersymmetry found.

Supports the idea that BPS preons are inherently quantum entities.

Highlights the potential necessity of quantum corrections in M-theory.

Abstract

After introducing the notion of BPS preons as the basic constituents of M-theory, we discuss the recent negative results in the search for solutions of the D=10 and D=11 supergravity equations preserving 31/32 supersymmetries i.e., of preonic solutions. The absence of these supergravity preonic solutions may point out to a pure quantum nature of BPS preons, manifesting itself in the need of incorporating quantum (stringy/M-theoretic) corrections to the supergravity equations.