USp(2k) Matrix Model: Nonperturbative Approach to Orientifolds

TL;DR

This paper explores a nonperturbative matrix model for type IIB superstrings on orientifolds, analyzing its theoretical properties, classical solutions, and connections to F-theory compactifications.

Contribution

It introduces a large k USp(2k) matrix model as a nonperturbative approach to orientifolds, detailing its theoretical foundations and classical solutions.

Findings

Model behaves four-dimensional in small volume limit

Classical solutions correspond to Dirichlet p-branes

Connections to F-theory on elliptic K3 are discussed

Abstract

We discuss theoretical implications of the large k USp(2k) matrix model in zero dimension. The model appears as the matrix model of type IIB superstrings on a large $T^{6}/Z^{2}$ orientifold via the matrix twist operation. In the small volume limit, the model behaves four dimensional and its T dual is six-dimensional worldvolume theory of type I superstrings in ten spacetime dimensions. Several theoretical considerations including the analysis on planar diagrams, the commutativity of the projectors with supersymmetries and the cancellation of gauge anomalies are given, providing us with the rationales for the choice of the Lie algebra and the field content. A few classical solutions are constructed which correspond to Dirichlet p-branes and some fluctuations are evaluated. The particular scaling limit with matrix T duality transformation is discussed which derives the F theory compactification on an elliptic fibered K3.