On M-Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores the role of hidden symmetries in supergravity and their potential in unifying non-perturbative string theories, proposing reformulations with enlarged tangent space symmetries.

Contribution

It introduces new reformulations of $d=11$ supergravity with extended tangent space symmetries and suggests their significance in the unification of string theories.

Findings

Reformulation of $d=11$ supergravity with SO(1,2) x SO(16) symmetry.

Proposal of further versions with SO(1,1) x SO(16)^∞ and SO(1,1)_+ x ISO(16)^∞ symmetries.

Indication that dimensionally reduced supergravity may be as important as $SU( Infinity)$ Yang Mills theory in unification.

Abstract

This contribution gives a personal view on recent attempts to find a unified framework for non-perturbative string theories, with special emphasis on the hidden symmetries of supergravity and their possible role in this endeavor. A reformulation of $d=11$ supergravity with enlarged tangent space symmetry SO(1,2) $\times$ SO(16) is discussed from this perspective, as well as an ansatz to construct yet further versions with SO(1,1) $\times$ SO(16)$^\infty$ and possibly even SO(1,1)$_+$ $\times$ ISO(16)$^\infty$ tangent space symmetry. It is suggested that upon ``third quantization'', dimensionally reduced maximal supergravity may have an equally important role to play in this unification as the dimensionally reduced maximally supersymmetric $SU(\infty)$ Yang Mills theory.