D-branes from M-branes

TL;DR

This paper explores the relationship between D-branes and M-branes through supergravity solutions, deriving worldvolume actions and interpreting branes as topological charges and condensates, linking ten- and eleven-dimensional theories.

Contribution

It derives the covariant worldvolume action for the super 2-brane from M-theory and interprets D-branes as topological charges and condensates within this framework.

Findings

The super 2-brane couples to background fields and carries Ramond-Ramond charge.

The 4-brane is interpreted as a double-dimensional reduction of the M5-brane.

A possible interpretation of the M5-brane as an open supermembrane is proposed.

Abstract

The 2-brane and 4-brane solutions of ten dimensional IIA supergravity have a dual interpretation as Dirichlet-branes, or `D-branes', of type IIA superstring theory and as `M-branes' of an $S^1$-compactified eleven dimensional supermembrane theory, or M-theory. This eleven-dimensional connection is used to determine the ten-dimensional Lorentz covariant worldvolume action for the Dirichlet super 2-brane, and its coupling to background spacetime fields. It is further used to show that the 2-brane can carry the Ramond-Ramond charge of the Dirichlet 0-brane as a topological charge, and an interpretation of the 2-brane as a 0-brane condensate is suggested. Similar results are found for the Dirichlet 4-brane via its interpretation as a double-dimensional reduction of the eleven-dimensional fivebrane. It is suggested that the latter be interpreted as a D-brane of an open eleven-dimensional supermembrane.