Another Conjecture about M(atrix) Theory

TL;DR

This paper proposes that M(atrix) theory accurately describes M-theory at finite N, extending previous large N equivalence, and provides evidence supporting this conjecture within the DLCQ framework.

Contribution

It introduces a new conjecture that M(atrix) theory describes M-theory exactly at finite N, not just in the large N limit, and offers supporting evidence.

Findings

Evidence supports the conjecture of finite N equivalence.

A light cone description with periodic coordinate identification is proposed.

The sector of DLCQ of M-theory is exactly described by U(N) matrix theory.

Abstract

The current understanding of M(atrix) theory is that in the large N limit certain supersymmetric Yang Mills theories become equivalent to M-theory in the infinite momentum frame. In this paper the conjecture is put forward that the equivalence between M and M(atrix) theory is not limited to the large N limit but is valid for finite N. It is argued that a light cone description of M-theory exists in which one of the light like coordinates is periodically identified. In the light cone literature this is called Discrete Light Cone Quantization (DLCQ). In this framework an exact light cone description exists for each quantized value N of longitudinal momentum. The new conjecture states that the sector of the DLCQ of M-theory is exactly described by a U(N) matrix theory. Evidence is presented for the conjecture.