In
theoretical physics
Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experim ...
, an M2-brane, is a spatially extended mathematical object (
brane
In string theory and related theories such as supergravity theories, a brane is a physical object that generalizes the notion of a point particle to higher dimensions. Branes are dynamical objects which can propagate through spacetime accordin ...
) that appears in
string theory and in related theories (e.g.
M-theory
M-theory is a theory in physics that unifies all consistent versions of superstring theory. Edward Witten first conjectured the existence of such a theory at a string theory conference at the University of Southern California in 1995. Witten's ...
,
F-theory). In particular, it is a solution of eleven-dimensional
supergravity
In theoretical physics, supergravity (supergravity theory; SUGRA for short) is a modern field theory that combines the principles of supersymmetry and general relativity; this is in contrast to non-gravitational supersymmetric theories such as ...
which possesses a three-dimensional
world volume.
Description
The M2-brane solution can be found by requiring
symmetry of the solution and solving the supergravity equations of motion with the
p-brane
In string theory and related theories such as supergravity theories, a brane is a physical object that generalizes the notion of a point particle to higher dimensions. Branes are dynamical objects which can propagate through spacetime accordin ...
ansatz. The solution is given by a
metric
Metric or metrical may refer to:
* Metric system, an internationally adopted decimal system of measurement
* An adjective indicating relation to measurement in general, or a noun describing a specific type of measurement
Mathematics
In mathem ...
and three-
form gauge field which, in isotropic coordinates, can be written as
:
where
is the
flat-space metric and the distinction has been made between world volume
and transverse
coordinates. The constant
is proportional to the
charge
Charge or charged may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Films
* '' Charge, Zero Emissions/Maximum Speed'', a 2011 documentary
Music
* ''Charge'' (David Ford album)
* ''Charge'' (Machel Montano album)
* ''Charge!!'', an album by The Aqu ...
of the brane which is given by the integral of
over the boundary of the transverse space of the brane.
A. Miemiec, I. Schnakenburg "Basics of M-theory"
/ref>
See also
* String theory
* Membrane (M-theory)
*M-theory
M-theory is a theory in physics that unifies all consistent versions of superstring theory. Edward Witten first conjectured the existence of such a theory at a string theory conference at the University of Southern California in 1995. Witten's ...
References
String theory
Physical cosmology
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