Strong Kähler with Torsion is the target space geometry of $(2,1)$ and $(2,0)$ supersymmetric nonlinear sigma models. We discuss how it can be represented in terms of Generalised Complex Geometry in analogy to the Gualtieri map from the geometry of $(2,2)$ supersymmetric nonlinear sigma models to Generalised Kähler Geometry.
We define $(p,q)$ hermitian geometry as the target space geometry of the two dimensional $(p,q)$ supersymmetric sigma model. This includes generalised Kähler geometry for $(2,2)$, generalised hyperkähler geometry for $(4,2)$, strong Kähler with torsion geometry for $(2,1)$ and strong hyperkähler with torsion geometry for $(4,1)$. We provide a generalised complex geometry formulation of hermitian geometry, generalising Gualtieri's formulation of the $(2,2)$ case. Our formulation involves a chiral version of generalised complex structure and we provide explicit formulae for the map to generalise…
Gravity and generalised geometry from a Lie 2-algebroid perspective
Rudjer Bošković Institute(鲁德·博什科维奇研究所);Imperial College(帝国理工学院);London Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Royal Institution(伦敦数学科学研究所,皇家学会);Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies(都柏林高等研究院);Galatasaray Üniversitesi(加拉塔萨雷大学);Constructor University(康斯特克特大学)
A generalisation of discrete torsion is introduced in which different discrete torsion phases are considered for the different fixed points or twist fields of a twisted sector. The constraints that arise from modular invariance are analysed carefully. As an application we show how all the different resolutions of the T^7/Z_2^3 orbifold of Joyce have an interpretation in terms of such generalised discrete torsion orbifolds. Furthermore, we show that these manifolds are pairwise identified under G_2 mirror symmetry. From a conformal field theory point of view, this mirror symmetry arises from an…
SISSA(的里雅斯特国际高等研究学院);INFN, Sezione di Trieste(意大利国家核物理研究所的里雅斯特分部);Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (WPI), University of Tokyo(东京大学宇宙物质研究院)
We reformulate ten-dimensional type II supergravity as a generalised geometrical analogue of Einstein gravity, defined by an $O(9,1)\times O(1,9)\subset O(10,10)\times\mathbb{R}^+$ structure on the generalised tangent space. Using the notion of generalised connection and torsion, we introduce the analogue of the Levi-Civita connection, and derive the corresponding tensorial measures of generalised curvature. We show how, to leading order in the fermion fields, these structures allow one to rewrite the action, equations of motion and supersymmetry variations in a simple, manifestly $\mathit{Spi…
We define intrinsic torsion in generalised geometry and use it to introduce a new notion of generalised special holonomy. We then consider generic warped supersymmetric flux compactifications of M theory and Type II of the form $\mathbb{R}^{D-1,1}\times M$. Using the language of $E_{d(d)}\times\mathbb{R}^+$ generalised geometry, we show that, for $D\geq 4$, preserving minimal supersymmetry is equivalent to the manifold $M$ having generalised special holonomy and list the relevant holonomy groups. We conjecture that this result extends to backgrounds preserving any number of supersymmetries. As…
The goal of this paper is to re-examine D-brane Ramond-Ramond field couplings in the presence of a B-field. We will argue that the generalised geometry induced on the world volume by the B-field results in an important but subtle change on the coupling. In order to explain this, we use the language of differential K-theory. The expression determining the coupling is then seen to be a consequence of the Riemann-Roch theorem. Our key assertion is that the appropriate Riemann-Roch theorem changes in the presence of the B-field. In particular, the A-hat forms appearing in the theorem are now const…
We construct an action for double field theory using a metric connection that is compatible with both the generalised metric and the O_{D,D} structure. The connection is simultaneously torsionful and flat. Using this connection one may construct a proper covariant derivative for double field theory. We then write the doubled action in terms of the generalised torsion of this connection. This action then exactly reproduces that required for doubled field theory and gauged supergravity.
Extended geometry is based on an underlying tensor hierarchy algebra. We extend the previously considered $L_\infty$ structure of the local symmetries (the diffeomorphisms and their reducibility) to incorporate physical fields, field strengths and Bianchi identities, and identify these as elements of the tensor hierarchy algebra. The field strengths arise as generalised torsion, so the naturally occurring complex in the $L_\infty$ algebra is $\ldots\leftarrow$ torsion BI's $\leftarrow$ torsion $\leftarrow$ vielbein $\leftarrow$ diffeomorphism parameters $\leftarrow\ldots$ In order to obtain eq…
We discuss the sigma model description of a D-string bound to k D-fivebranes in type I string theory. The effective theory is an (0,4) supersymmetric hyper-Kahler with torsion sigma model on the moduli space of Sp(k) instantons on R^4. Upon toroidal compactification to five dimensions the model is related to the type II picture where the target space is a symmetric product of K3's.
This work revisits the notions of connection and curvature in generalized geometry, with emphasis on torsion-free generalized connections on a transitive Courant algebroid, compatible with a generalized metric. Non-exact Courant algebroids have been considered recently by R. Rubio in the context of $B_n$-generalised geometry and arise naturally from the theory of generalized reduction of Burzstyn, Cavalcanti and Gualtieri. As an application, we provide a mathematical derivation of the equations of motion of heterotic supergravity, inspired by the work of Coimbra, Strickland-Constable and Waldr…
We present a tensor calculus for exceptional generalised geometry. Expressions for connections, torsion and curvature are given a unified formulation for different exceptional groups E_n(n). We then consider "tensor gauge fields" coupled to the exceptional generalised gravity. Many of the properties of forms on manifolds are carried over to these fields.
We present a generalised geometry framework for systematically constructing consistent truncations of ten- and eleven-dimensional supergravity preserving varying fractions of supersymmetry. Truncations arise when there is a reduced structure group $G_S$ of the exceptional generalised geometry, such that the intrinsic torsion is a $G_S$-singlet. The matter content of the truncated theory follows from group-theoretical arguments, while the gauging is determined by the sub-algebra of generalised diffeomorphisms generated by the $G_S$-singlet vectors. After discussing the general ideas across diff…
This is a brief review of some of the uses of nonlinear sigma models. After a short general discussion touching on point particles, strings and condensed matter systems, focus is shifted to sigma models as probes of target space geometries. The relation of supersymmetric non-linear sigma models to Kähler, hyperkähler, hyperkähler with torsion and generalised Kähler geometries is described.
Spacetime with general linear vector distortion is introduced. Thus, the torsion and the nonmetricity of the affine connection are assumed to be proportional to a vector field (and not its derivatives). The resulting two-parameter family of non-Riemannian geometries generalises the conformal Weyl geometry and some other interesting special cases. Taking into account the leading order quadratic curvature correction to the Einstein-Hilbert action results uniquely in the one-parameter extension of the Starobinsky inflation known as the alpha-attractor. The most general quadratic curvature action …
We define new Riemannian structures on 7-manifolds by a differential form of mixed degree which is the critical point of a (possibly constrained) variational problem over a fixed cohomology class. The unconstrained critical points generalise the notion of a manifold of holonomy $G_2$, while the constrained ones give rise to a new geometry without a classical counterpart. We characterise these structures by the means of spinors and show the integrability conditions to be equivalent to the supersymmetry equations on spinors in supergravity theory of type IIA/B with bosonic background fields. In …
Using a generalised Killing-Yano equation in the presence of torsion, spacetime metrics admitting a rank-2 generalised Killing-Yano tensor are investigated in five dimensions under the assumption that its eigenvector associated with the zero eigenvalue is a Killing vector field. It is shown that such metrics are classified into three types and the corresponding local expressions are given explicitly. It is also shown that they cover some classes of charged, rotating Kaluza-Klein black hole solutions of minimal supergravity and abelian heterotic supergravity.
The geometrical formulation of gravity is not unique and can be set up in a variety of spacetimes. Even though the gravitational sector enjoys this freedom of different geometrical interpretations, consistent matter couplings have to be assured for a steady foundation of gravity. In generalised geometries, further ambiguities arise in the matter couplings unless the minimal coupling principle (MCP) is adopted that is compatible with the principles of relativity, universality and inertia. In this work, MCP is applied to all Standard Model gauge fields and matter fields in a completely general (…
Supersymmetric nonlinear sigma models have target spaces that carry interesting geometry. The geometry is richer the more supersymmetries the model has. The study of models with two dimensional world sheets is particularly rewarding since they allow for torsionful geometries. In this review I describe and exemplify the relation of $2d$ supersymmetry to Riemannian, complex, bihermitian, $(p,q)$ Hermitean, Kähler, hyperkähler, generalised geometry and more
Using exceptional generalised geometry, we classify which five-dimensional ${\cal N}=2$ gauged supergravities can arise as a consistent truncation of 10-/11-dimensional supergravity. Exceptional generalised geometry turns the classification into an algebraic problem of finding subgroups $G_S \subset \mathrm{USp}(8) \subset \mathrm{E}_{6(6)}$ that preserve exactly two spinors. Moreover, the intrinsic torsion of the $G_S$ structure must contain only constant singlets under $G_S$, and these, in turn, determine the gauging of the five-dimensional theory. The resulting five-dimensional theories are…
In this paper, we study the perturbative aspects of a "B-twisted" two-dimensional $(0,2)$ heterotic sigma model on a holomorphic gauge bundle $\mathcal E$ over a complex, hermitian manifold $X$. We show that the model can be naturally described in terms of the mathematical theory of ``Chiral Differential Operators". In particular, the physical anomalies of the sigma model can be reinterpreted as an obstruction to a global definition of the associated sheaf of vertex superalgebras derived from the free conformal field theory describing the model locally on $X$. In addition, one can also obtain …
Effective actions are derived for (2,0) and (2,1) superstrings by studying the corresponding sigma-models. The geometry is a generalisation of Kahler geometry involving torsion and the field equations imply that the curvature with torsion is self-dual in four dimensions, or has SU(n,m) holonomy in other dimensions. The Yang-Mills fields are self-dual in four dimensions and satisfy a form of the Uhlenbeck-Yau equation in higher dimensions. In four dimensions with Euclidean signature, there is a hyperkahler structure and the sigma-model has (4,1) supersymmetry, while for signature (2,2) there is…