Massive String Theories From M-Theory and F-Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores how massive string theories in various dimensions can be derived from M-theory and F-theory through specific compactifications and reductions, revealing new insights into their geometric origins.

Contribution

It demonstrates the derivation of massive IIA and IIB string theories from M-theory and F-theory compactifications, including the identification of M-theory solutions for D8-branes.

Findings

Massive IIA string theory arises from M-theory on a 2-torus bundle over a circle.

9-dimensional massive string theories are interpreted as F-theory on 2-torus bundles.

The M-theory solution corresponding to the D8-brane is explicitly identified.

Abstract

The massive IIA string theory whose low energy limit is the massive supergravity theory constructed by Romans is obtained from M-theory compactified on a 2-torus bundle over a circle in a limit in which the volume of the bundle shrinks to zero. The massive string theories in 9-dimensions given by Scherk-Schwarz reduction of IIB string theory are interpreted as F-theory compactified on 2-torus bundles over a circle. The M-theory solution that gives rise to the D8-brane of the massive IIA theory is identified. Generalisations of Scherk-Schwarz reduction are discussed.