Matrix String Theory

TL;DR

This paper provides evidence supporting the identification of the large N limit of 2D N=8 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with type IIA string theory through compactification, explicitly identifying string states and D-branes.

Contribution

It explicitly identifies perturbative string states, their interactions, and D-brane states within the matrix model framework, strengthening the matrix string theory proposal.

Findings

Explicit identification of perturbative string states and interactions

Description of D-particle and D-membrane states

Support for the matrix model as a description of type IIA string theory

Abstract

Via compactification on a circle, the matrix model of M-theory proposed by Banks et al suggests a concrete identification between the large N limit of two-dimensional N=8 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and type IIA string theory. In this paper we collect evidence that supports this identification. We explicitly identify the perturbative string states and their interactions, and describe the appearance of D-particle and D-membrane states.