Five-branes And $M$-Theory On An Orbifold

TL;DR

This paper explores the relationship between Type IIB superstring theory on K3 surfaces and an eleven-dimensional M-theory compactification on a specific orbifold, highlighting the role of five-branes in this duality.

Contribution

It establishes a novel connection between Type IIB string theory on K3 and M-theory on an orbifold, emphasizing the involvement of five-branes in this correspondence.

Findings

Demonstrates the duality between Type IIB on K3 and M-theory on an orbifold.

Highlights the significance of five-branes in the compactification process.

Provides a new perspective on brane dynamics in string/M-theory dualities.

Abstract

We relate Type IIB superstrings compactified to six dimensions on K3 to an eleven-dimensional theory compactified on $({\bf S}^1)^5/{\bf Z}_2$. Eleven-dimensional five-branes enter the story in an interesting way.