String Theory and the Donaldson Polynomial

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a connection between string theory and mathematical topology by showing that axion scattering amplitudes relate directly to the Donaldson polynomial, revealing a deep link between physics and geometry.

Contribution

It introduces a novel relationship between heterotic string theory scattering processes and the Donaldson polynomial, bridging physics and topology.

Findings

Scattering of spacetime axions with fivebrane solitons is proportional to the Donaldson polynomial.

Establishes a new link between string theory and topological invariants.

Provides insights into the geometric structure underlying string interactions.

Abstract

It is shown that the scattering of spacetime axions with fivebrane solitons of heterotic string theory at zero momentum is proportional to the Donaldson polynomial.