D-Branes

• Main Author: Johnson, Clifford V. (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press 2003
• Subjects: Nuclear physics; relativistic strings; world-sheet; strings on circles; T-duality; world-volume actions; D-branes; tension and boundary states; supersymmetric strings; world-volume curvature couplings; geometry of D-branes; strong coupling; string duality; K3 orientifolds; compactification; M-theory; F-theory; black holes; gravity and gauge theory; holographic renormalisation group
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

D-branes represent a key theoretical tool in the understanding of strongly coupled superstring theory and M-theory. They have led to many striking discoveries, including the precise microphysics underlying the thermodynamic behaviour of certain black holes, and remarkable holographic dualities between large-N gauge theories and gravity. This book provides a self-contained introduction to the technology of D-branes, presenting their development in a pedagogical manner. The introductory material is developed by first starting with the main features of string theory needed to get rapidly to grips with D-branes. Many advanced applications are covered, with discussions of open problems which could form the basis for other avenues of research. Suitable as a textbook in graduate courses on modern string theory and theoretical particle physics, it will also be an indispensable reference for seasoned practitioners.