World-volumes and string target spaces

TL;DR

This paper explores the relationship between world-volume and target-space dynamics in string theory, focusing on D-branes and their role in string duality, boundary states, and supersymmetry.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of D-branes and their associated world-volumes, highlighting their significance in string duality and boundary state formalism.

Findings

D-branes as key objects in string duality

Boundary states encode D-brane properties

Supersymmetry constraints on D-branes

Abstract

String duality suggests a fascinating juxtoposition of world-volume and target-space dynamics. This is particularly apparent in the $D$-brane description of stringy solitons that forms a major focus of this article (which is {\it not} intended to be a comprehensive review of this extensive subject). The article is divided into four sections: 1. The oligarchy of string world-sheets 2. $p$-branes and world-volumes 3. World-sheets for world-volumes 4. Boundary states, $D$-branes and space-time supersymmetry [This article is based on a talk presented at the CERN Workshop on String Duality (December, 1995) and the published version of a talk at the Buckow Symposium (September, 1995).]