High Energy Scattering and D-Pair Creation in Matrix String Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores high energy scattering in M-theory using matrix string theory, revealing non-perturbative string interactions, D-particle pair production, and their relation to classical saddle points.

Contribution

It introduces a non-perturbative instanton configuration in super-Yang-Mills theory that models string interactions and connects D-particle production to classical scattering processes.

Findings

Identification of an instanton configuration as a non-perturbative string interaction

Calculation of D-particle pair production via one-loop electric flux transition

Establishment of a link between D-particle production and Gross-Mende saddle points

Abstract

In this paper we use the matrix string approach to begin a study of high energy scattering processes in M-theory. In particular we exhibit an instanton-type configuration in 1+1 super-Yang-Mills theory that can be interpreted as a non-perturbative description of a string interaction. This solution is used to describe high energy processes with non-zero longitudinal momentum exchange, in which an arbitrary number of eigenvalues get transferred between the two scattering states. We describe a direct correspondence between these semi-classical SYM configurations and the Gross-Mende saddle points. We also study in detail the pair production of D-particles via a one-loop calculation which in the 1+1D gauge theory language is described by the (perturbative) transition between states with different electric flux. Finally, we discuss a possible connection between these calculations in which D-particle production gives important corrections to the Gross-Mende process.