D-Branes and Twelve Dimensions

TL;DR

This paper explores the interpretation of D-branes in type IIB superstring theory through a twelve-dimensional F-theory framework, proposing a unified view of branes via compactification and duality.

Contribution

It introduces a twelve-dimensional perspective on D-branes, linking them to F-theory three-branes and proposing a reformulation of type IIB superstring theory.

Findings

D-branes can be interpreted as compactified three-branes in twelve dimensions.

A two-brane may be equivalent to a three-brane via electric-magnetic duality.

The twelve-dimensional picture suggests a new formulation of type IIB superstring theory.

Abstract

We study the D-brane solutions to type IIB superstring in ten dimensions and find interpretation in terms of compactification of a twelve dimensional three-brane of (a specific) F-theory on a torus $T^2$. In this frame-work, there also exist a two-brane which may be argued to be equivalent to the three-brane by utilizing the electric-magnetic duality in eleven dimensions. In this context, we propose for the existence of an isometry in one of the transverse directions to the three-brane in F-theory. As a consequence the two-brane may be identified with the three-brane in twelve dimensions itself. The twelve dimensional picture of D-branes in type IIB theory suggests for the reformulation of type IIB superstring in terms of three-brane of F-theory.