Solitons, Black Holes and Duality in String Theory

TL;DR

This paper introduces key concepts of string solitons, duality, and black holes, emphasizing classical solutions, string dualities, and the compositeness of solitons, with implications for black hole thermodynamics.

Contribution

It provides an accessible overview of the role of classical solutions, dualities, and soliton compositeness in string theory and black hole physics.

Findings

Discussion of classical solutions in duality

Insights into string/string duality and membranes

Implications for black hole thermodynamics

Abstract

These lectures are intended as an introduction to some of the basic aspects of string solitons, duality and black holes. We begin with a discussion of the role of classical solutions in duality, then focus on string/string duality and fundamental membranes. Finally, we examine the feature of compositeness of string solitons, and its implications for bound states and black hole thermodynamics. As these lectures are aimed primarily at those less familiar with this field, technical details are minimized.