Solutions to K. Becker, M. Becker, J.

Schwarz String Theory And M-theory

Mikhail Goykhman
[email protected]

Abstract
Detailed solutions to 154 of 182 of homework problems in K. Becker, M. Becker, J. Schwarz
String Theory And M-theory textbook are presented.

Introduction

Studying the course of String Theory and solving these problems I have extensively used textbooks of BBS [1]; GSW [2]; Polchinski [3]; Kaku [4]; Di Francesco, et al. [5]; Kiritsis [6];
Hawking, Ellis [7]; S. Weinberg [8], etc. Some of the problems given in BBS as homework
task are actually well known string theory facts which are described in papers or textbooks,
especially in GSW.
References to equations of some textbook are given here in format book (formula), e.g. BBS
(12.140) gives metric for an extremal black D3-brane. Equations without any author acronym
in front of it refer to the present paper.
This work was done by myself while I was fifth year undergraduate student at MIPT on my
Master Program and was working in BLTP JINR and carries no endorsement from K. Becker,
M. Becker or J.H. Schwarz.

The bosonic string

Problem 2.1
(i) String equations of motion in conformal gauge of world-sheet metric (flat metric for worldsheet with no topological obstructions) are

 2
2

X = 0.
(2.1)
2 2
These equations are satisfied by the following open string classical configuration
X 0 = B,

X 1 = B cos cos ,

X 2 = B sin cos ,

X i = 0, i > 2.

Obviously Neumann boundary conditions

X 0 ( = 0, ) = 0
are satisfied too.
3-velocity of some point on string is equal to
dX i
1 dX i
=
,
v =
dX 0
B d
i

(2.2)

modulus of which on the ends of the treated string is evidently equal to 1, and therefore the
ends of this string are indeed moving with the speed of light.
(ii) As an analogy to the point particle we can write D-momentum of points of string (we
can use Noether theorem too, and build energy-momentum tensor, from which we can get this
-density of 4-momentum):
P = T X .
(2.3)
From this expression we can find the total energy of string
Z
E = dP00 = BT.
We can use Noether theorem to derive the density of a conserved angular momentum tensor


J = T X X X X
(2.4)
and use it to derive total angular momentum of the considered string:
Z
Z
1
J = d|J3 | = dJ 12 = T B 2 .
2
Obviously it takes place an equality
E2
= 2T.
J
(iii) In conformal gauge the constraint T = 0, depicting equations of motion for world-sheet
metric, may be rewritten as
X 2 + (X 0 )2 = 0,

X X 0 = 0,

which is evidently satisfied by the considered open string configuration.

Problem 2.2
(i) Its very easy to show that the open string configuration
X 0 = 3A,

X 1 = A cos(3 ) cos(3),

X 2 = A sin(a ) cos(b),

X i = 0, i > 2.

satisfies energy-momentum constraint T = 0 if

a = b = 3.
Obviously here Neumann boundary conditions are satisfied.
Note, that theres another fact that approves that b = 3. This is due to the known general
solution for an open string with Neumann boundary conditions
X (, ) = x + ls2 p + ils

X 1
im
e
cos(m).
m
m
m6=0

(2.5)

This expression may be used directly to show that center-of-mass momentum p and centerof-mass coordinate x are equal to zero for considered string configuration. But assuming no
general formulae are known this result will be discussed in (iii).
Lets take a look at how considered string configuration is written in light-cone coordinates
= .

(2.6)

Its easy to calculate that this string space-time configuration divides in two parts - left-movers
and right-movers:
X ( + , ) = XL ( ) + XR ( + ),
with the following expression being hold:

3A A

,
cos(3 ),
XL ( ) =
2
2

3A + A

+
XR ( ) =
,
cos(3 + ),
2
2
Neumann boundary conditions here are represented as


A

sin(a ) ,
2

A
+
sin(a ) .
2

XL XR
+
= 0, = 0, .

+
(ii) Plot will not be drown here, but a brief description is pretty easy. The string is a polyline,
which is a 3-diameter length line, the motion of which is rotation over the circle with mentioned
diameter.
(iii) Center-of-mass momentum together with angular momentum may be directly computed
with the help of their expressions due to Noether theorem:
Z

P = T d X = (3AT, 0, . . . , 0),
Z
J=

Z
d|J3 | =

d|J 12 | =

3
T A2 .
2

Now energy and absolute value of momentum are related to each other as
least now we have higher excitation of string than in previous problem.

E2
|J|

= 6T . Well, at

Problem 2.3
(i) For fields X , = 0, . . . , 24 open string with Neumann boundary condition is described
by expression (2.5). Because of equations of motion for string moving in flat space-time are
independent for various space-time coordinate fields on world-sheet, we should just separately
treat how Dirichlet boundary conditions
X 25 (0, ) = X025 ,

X 25 (, ) = X25

(2.7)

influence the solution of string wave equation of motion. In the theory of Equations of Mathematical Physics the method of searching a Fourier expansion of wave equation with some chosen
boundary conditions is developed, which may be exploited here to write down the solution:
X 1

25 im
X25 X025 + X025 + ils
m
e
sin(m).
X 25 =

m
m6=0
3

Momentum conjugate to this coordinate may be calculated by formula (2.3), but this is no
more a Noether expression (just an ordinary rule for computation of momentum conjugate to
coordinate) because Dirichlet condition breaks X 25 condition translation symmetry. It may be
easily found that
X
1
25
ei(2m+1) .
2m+1
P 25 = 2T ls
2m
+
1
m
This momentum is not conserved: string is impressed by an effective force of reaction in X 25
direction, which holds X 25 coordinate fixed. Momentum is oscillating and force is oscillating
too.
(ii) We can formulate the answer immediately:


X
2
2m + 1
25
25
25 i 2m+1

2
X (, ) = X0 + ils
m e
,
sin
2m
+
1
2
m
while the rest 25 coordinates are governed by equation (2.5). Non-conserved conjugate momentum is equal to
X
2
25 i 2m+1

2
m
e
P 25 = T ls
.
2m
+
1
m
Problem 2.4
(i) We will use the open string mass formula
M2 =

2
(N 1).
ls2

(2.8)

Its easy to check that

N |b i = b|b i, b = 1, 2, 3, 4,
therefore
Mb2 =

2
(b 1).
ls2

(ii) We will use the closed string mass formula

M2 =

8
8
(N 1) = 2 (N
1).
2
ls
ls

(2.9)

Here we got
|b i = b|b i, b = 1, 2,
N |b i = N
therefore
Mb2 =

8
(b 1).
ls2

(iii) Such state violates level-matching constraint of the bosonic string, and therefore it contradicts to vanishing of world-sheet energy momentum tensor.
Problem 2.5
We employ commutation relations, postulated in quantum theory

[m
, n ] = [
m
,
n ] = m m+n,0 ,

[m
,
n ] = 0,

(2.10)

which are actually defined for m, n 6= 0, but can be literally generalized for possible zero indices,
where 0 = 21 ls p . Then its used a formula
( 0 ) =

1X
cos(m) cos(m 0 )
m

(2.11)

which is delta-function representation in terms of real Fourier series. Indeed,

Z
Z
X
1X
0
0
0
d ( )f ( ) =
cos(m) d 0 f ( 0 ) cos(m 0 ) =
fm cos(m) = f (). (2.12)
m
m
the limits of integration here depend on whether function is periodic (then the period of function
is a realm of integration) or defined on finite region of 0 -axis (then it is integrated over the
whole real axis). In both cases therere mathematical propositions helping us to perform back
and forward Fourier transformations by such kind of a formulae. By the way (it doesnt have
relation to this problem), complex Fourier expansion may be used to prove in the same way
corresponding delta-function representation
() =

1 X 2im
e
.
m

(2.13)

Density of momentum is a D-momentum field on world-sheet:

!
X
X
im
im
P = T X = T ls2 p + ls
m
e
cos(m) = ls
m
e
cos(m).
m

m6=0

It can be easily calculated that

[X (, ), X ( 0 , )] = ls2

X 1
cos(m) cos(m 0 ) = 0.
m
m6=0

The last transition is made because in that sum we got all terms with their negatives. Similarly
X
[P (, ), P ( 0 , )] = T 2 ls2
m cos(m) cos(m 0 ) = 0.
m6=0

With the help of (2.11) it can be easily shown that

[X (, ), P ( 0 , )] = i ( 0 ).

(2.14)

Problem 2.6
First, by definition center-of-mass coordinates are m -independent (for m 6= 0), because m , m 6=
0 values depicts string oscillating terms, which after averaging procedure (giving center-of-mass
values) return zero values. Commutator for momentum
and coordinate
functions on world-sheet

R
R
0

(-densities) (2.14) after and integration

dX = x , dP = p gives
[p , x ] = i .
5

Using this relation we can easily prove the following:

[p , J ] = i p + i p .
To prove an expression for Lorentz generator commutator theres the simplest way: first to prove it for center-of mass part x p x p , second - to claim that Lorentz transformations as transformations of symmetry form a group, therefore oscillating terms in commutator
should be gathered in an appropriate way (this is not rigorously mathematically but reasonably
physically).
Problem 2.7
We will exploit the following formula for delta-symbol representation:
Z
de2in = n,0
0

which may be obviously verified by direct calculation. Anyway, for closed string general worldsheet configuration is
X = XR + XL = x + ls2 p +

ils X 1 2in( )
n e
+
n e2in( +) .
2 n6=0 n

(2.15)

From this expression we can easily obtain

X


X = ls2 p + ls
n e2in( ) +
n e2in( +) .
n6=0

After not too difficult and not too long calculations we will get
Z




iX1

n n n n
d X X X X = x p x p +
J =T
+
n
n

n
n
.
2 n6=0 n
0
Cross-terms with and
have canceled each other after -integration, that is substitution
of delta-symbol representation. The last formula may be rewritten in normal-ordered form
(commutators cancel each other)
J

X


1

n n n
n +
n

n
n

n .
=x p x p i
n
n=1

Problem 2.8
In light-cone gauge we got n+ = 0, which lets us to write down Lorentz generators
J

X


1

n n n
n
=x p x p i
n
n=1

in light-cone coordinates as follows:

J + = x+ p x p+ ,
6

J i = x pi xi p ,

J ij = xi pj xj pi i

X


1 i j
j
n n n
ni
n
n=1

Problem 2.9
The easiest way to perform calculations in this problem is: first - to separate oscillating and
center-of-mass parts, second - to consider general view of oscillating terms in commutator
[J , Lm ]. Suppose we perform a summation over oscillating terms in Lm with index k and over
oscillating terms of J with index n. General view of oscillating term in commutator is
i

[ n
n , mk
k ].
2n n n

After performing summation over k we will result in

m+n
.
n
m+n
n + n
n mn
i mn
Then we should perform a summation over n, change some summation indices n n, permute
some multipliers in a couple of terms, commutators of which will cancel each other. As a result
we will get
!
!
X
X
X
X

i
mn
n +
mn
n + i
mn n +
mn n .
n>1

n<1

n>1

n<1

Now we can add and subtract n = 0 terms and get the result
!

i
mn n mn n i(m
0 m
0 )
n=

First sum is equal to zero. We can just change n m n summation in one of the terms to
get it. The rest terms cancel with
"
#
X
1
x p x p ,
mn n
2 n
where non-zero commutators will be only for n = 0, m as [x , p ].
One concludes that every physical state is brought again to physical state by Lorentz transformation, moreover the mass of state doesnt change (the same is true about spin, which is
Casimir for Lorentz group). Therefore physical states are grouped into Lorentz multiplets.
Problem 2.10
Consider first generalized mass-shell condition on physical state
!

X
1 2
(L0 a)|i =
n n + 0 a |i = 0.
2
n=1
Here a = 1 and simple computation allows us to rewrite this condition as


1 2
1 + 0 |0; ki = 0,
2
7

from which it follows that 02 = 2 - the equation on mass of the open string in theP
state |i.
Second, consider Virasoro constraints Lm |i = 0, m > 0. Use definition Lm = 12 n mn
n and consider separately terms with n > 0, n < 0, n = 0. Act with such an operator on |i.
For m > 2 constraints are satisfied automatically. Cases m = 1 and m = 2 give us
L1 |i = 2(A + B + C02 )0 1 |0; ki,

L2 |i = (DA + 2B02 + C02 )|0; ki,

and corresponding physical state conditions

A + B + C02 = 0,

DA + 2B02 + C02 = 0,

which are solved by

D1
D+4
A, C =
A.
5
10
Different oscillating states are obviously orthogonal to each other. Therefore the norm of
the state |i is equal to
B=

2A2
h|i = 2(DA 2B 4AC + 4C ) =
(D 1)(26 D).
25
2

The norm is negative for D > 26 and zero for D = 26.

Problem 2.11
= 2 are built out of vacuum state |0; ki
Closed string states with excitation numbers N = N
by acting with rising operators
j
j
i
i
i
i
1
1
, 2
,
1

1
,
2
.

Such a state is massive, therefore each index is related to representation of Lorentz little subgroup SO(25). Left-movers and right-movers parts form independently rank-two tensor rep= 324. The whole state forms representation of
resentation of SO(25) with dimension 2425
2
SO(25) SO(25).
Problem 2.12
For open string N = 3 states are
j
i
k
1
1
1
|0; ki

24 23 22
+ 24 23 + 24 = 2600 states;
6

j
i
2
1
|0; ki

242 = 576 states;

i
3
|0; ki

24 states.

Total number of states is 3200.

Lets explore decomposition of these states into irreducible representation of massive little
group SO(25). First of all note that as was discussed in the solution of Problem 2.9 physical
states group into Lorentz multiplets. Then observe that symmetric traceless rank 3-tensor with
SO(25) indices has 2925 25 = 2900 components. Here 2925 is the number of components of
symmetric rank-3 tensor with each index of it taking 25 values, which may be derived either
8

as shown above for 24 values of each index in the context of number of states, or as dimension
of Young table with three horizontal squares. We take traceless tensors - this is expressed as
iik = 0 for all 25 values of k (we cant sum three equal indices, but nevertheless we may
perform
a little generalization: denote k = iik , then due to imposed constraints one will have
P
k k = 0) - this condition is Lorentz-invariant and therefore result in 2900 components. Until
this moment we were acting in a way described in BBS for N = 2 level. We shall now add
300 more states, which is the number rank-2 antisymmetric tensor components. Therefore we
result in decomposition 2900 + 300.
= 3 states each of described N = 3 states is accompanied with
For closed string N = N

some of the N = 3 state out of

j
i
k

1
|0; ki

24 23 22
+ 24 23 + 24 = 2600 states;
6

j
i

1
|0; ki

242 = 576 states;

3
|0; ki

24 states.

The structure of states is the same as for right-movers above with additional (anti)symmetrization
between left- and right-movers where its possible. Total number of states is therefore 3200
3200.
Problem 2.13
(i) Normal ordering ambiguities arise only when m = n (for Lm and Ln in l.h.s. they doesnt
matter because constants will commute with operators):
[Lm , Lm ] = 2mL0 + A(m),
and therefore redefinition L0 L0 + C due to normal ordering ambiguities in quantum L0
operator definition leads to redefinition A(1) A(1) 2C. This lets us to set A(1) to zero.
(ii) This is sl(2, R) algebra:
[L1 , L0 ] = L1 .

[L1 , L1 ] = 2L0 ,

Indeed, replacing L1 = e , L1 = e+ and L0 = H we will get commutation relations of

sl(2, R):
[e+ , e ] = 2H, [H, e ] = e .
Problem 2.14
We impose Jacobi identity on Virasoro operators Lm to guarantee they form an algebra. After
substitution of general central extension
[Lm , Ln ] = (m n)Lm+n + A(m)m+n,0

(2.16)

into Jacobi identity we will result in constraint

(m n)A(m + n) + (n p)A(n + p) + (p m)A(p + m) = 0.

(2.17)

From (2.16) it obviously follows that A(0) = 0. For p = 1, n = m + 1 (remember that in

solution of Problem 2.13 we adjusted A(1) = 0) we get from (2.17)
(2 m)A(m) = (m + 1)A(m 1),

(2.18)

from which it follows that A(1) = 0. With respect to this we can also set p = 1, n = 1 m
in (2.17) and get
(m + 2)A(m) = (1 m)A(m + 1).
(2.19)
Combining (2.18) and (2.19) we get a condition
A(m)(m 2)(m 3) = m(m + 1)A(m 2),
that can be rewritten as
A(m) =

m(m2 1)
A(m 2).
(m 2) ((m 2)2 1)

This obviously means that

A(m) = N m(m2 1).
Constant N may be fixed if, e.g. A(2) is known, therefore
A(m) = m(m2 1)

A(2)
.
6

Such a result is purely quantum. It means that its all due to normal-ordering ambiguity
in L0 , which let us to add a constant to L0 to make A(1) = 0 and result in (2.18), and
so on. If we treat classical theory with algebra, determined by Poisson brackets, we have
[Lm , Ln ]P.B. = i(m n)Lm+n with no central charges as a result of 1) clear-stated definition
of L0 with no additional terms ambiguities; 2) the fact that do commute with each other:

, which has no deal with non-zero Poisson bracket.
n = n m
m

Conformal field theory and string interactions

Problem 3.1
Consider infinitesimal translation and special conformal transformation:
1 x = a ,

2 x = b x2 2x b x.

Lie bracket of this two transformations is equal to

(1 2 2 1 )x = x + x ,
where = 2(b a a b ), = 2a b are parameters of Lorentz rotation and scaling dilation
transformations.

10

Problem 3.2
S
We deal with SL(2, R) SL(2, R) generators (l0 , l1 , l1 ) (l0 , l1 , l1 ). The following classification takes place:
l1 = z , l1 = z translations
l0 + l0 = zz zz dilations
i(l0 l0 ) = i(
z z zz ) rotations
The last generator actually performs transformation of the sort: z iz, which is definetely
an infinetisamal rotation z ei z. Special conformal transformations are generated by operators l1 = z 2 z , l1 =
z 2 z and look like z az + bz 2 . Therefore weve covered the whole
D = 2 conformal group with generic transformations of the form of BBS (3.7).
Problem 3.3
The idea of the solution is as follows: conformal group in D dimensions has 21 (D + 1)(D + 2)
parameters, which is the same as for SO(2, D). Conformal group consists of Lorentz transformations ( 21 D(D 1) generators M ), Poincare translations (D generators P ), special conformal
transformations (D generators K ) and dilations (generator D). In the solution of problem 3.1
it was studied Lie bracket for special conformal transformation and translation, which may be
used to find commutator of corresponding generators. Similarly, e.g., studying Lie bracket of
special conformal transformation and Lorentz rotation we find commutator
[M , K ] = i( K K ).
Or we can actually simply use the procedure of commuting of operators using their explicit
form, e.g., K = i(x2 2 x ). As a result we will get commutators:
[M , D] = 0,

[D, K ] = iK ,

[D, P ] = iP ,

[P , K ] = 2iM 2i D.

These commutators may be accompanied with Poincare algebra commutators in D dimensions.

If one defines generators JM N
1
1
JD = (K P ), J(D+1) = (K + P ), J(D+1)D = D,
2
2
with M, N being D+1-valued indices, then they will satisfy commutation relations of SO(2, D).
J = M ,

Problem 3.4
OPE of some field and stress-energy tensor may be derived from the requiring the proper
transformation law for this field under conformal transformation. It becomes especially easy if
the field is primary. If we know the conformal weights of primary field we can determine OPE
of this field and SET (see BBS (3.33)):
T (z)(w, w)
=

1
h
(w,
w)

+
(w, w)
+ ....
(z w)2
zw

(3.20)

Here (z) = X(z) (we deal with right-movers, see BBS (3.19)) and T (z) = 2 : X X :
(see BBS (3.23)). To start calculate OPE in this case we should know Green function for X
beforehand (see BBS (3.35)):
1
hX (z, z)X (w, w)i
= (ln(z w) + ln(
z w))
.
4
11

(3.21)

From (3.21) we can derive the following OPE:

1
1
.
hX (z)X (w)i =
4
zw
Using Wick theorem we can now calculate
T (z)X (w) = 2 : X XX : 4X (z)hX (z)X (w)i =

X (z)
+ =
zw

X (w)
+ .
zw
The last transition is made due to the fact that
=

X (w) + (z w) 2 X
X (w)
X (z)
=
=
+ .
zw
zw
zw
Therefore we can conclude that h = 0 is a conformal dimension of primary field X .
Problem 3.5
(i) We can obtain required OPEs simply by w, w-differentiation

of expression
T (z)X (w) =

X (w)
+ .
zw

obtained in the solution of Problem 3.4. Consequently

T (z)X (w) =

X (w) 2 X (w)
+
+ ,
(z w)2
zw

(w, w)
X

+ = ,
zw
2X (w) 2 2 X (w) 3 X (w)
T (z) 2 X (w) =
+
+
+ .
(z w)3
(z w)2
zw
(w) =
T (z)X

In the second raw weve used the fact that X (w, w)

= XL (w)
+ XR (w). But we can instead
of it calculate
(w)
X

2 X (w)

T(
z )X (w, w)
=
+
+ .
2
(
z w)

z w
(ii) From these equations we can conclude that h-conformal dimension of X is equal to 1, for
its 0 (while h
= 1). Observe that basing on OPEs which are required
2 X its 2 and for X
to calculate in the condition of first part of the problem we wouldnt be able to conclude

anything about h-conformal

dimension of any of these fields because that is to be determined
= 1 for
not from (3.20)-type OPE, but from T (
z )(w)
one (as was done for calculation of h

).
X
Problem 3.6
1) We will use the following expression for singular part of the product
1
1
X (z)X (w) =
.
4
(z w)2
12

At the same time from

X (z) =

i X n1
z
2 n n

it follows that

I
1
dzz m X (z),
=

where integration is performed over some contour around z = 0 pole point. Therefore
I I
1

[m , n ] = 2
dzdwz m wn (X (z)X (w) X (w)X (z)) .

In the last expression integral we shall take into account radius-ordering procedure in CFT.
Therefore while performing integration over w first we should accomplish it over contour C
around w = z point. Second, we perform z integration over contour with z = 0 center. Using
Cauchys theorem we will get

, n ] = m m+n,0 .
[m
2) Using the same technic we may derive the commutator for oscillator amplitudes of rightmovers:

[
m
,
n ] = m m+n,0 .
3) From (3.21) it follows that
(w)
X (z)X
= 0.
Therefore we can easily conclude that

[m
,
n ] = 0.

Problem 3.7
We deal with primary field (z) with conformal dimension h. The later condition allows us to
write down the Loran series in the form
X n
.
(z) =
z n+h
n
From this it follows that
1
n =
2i

I
dz(z)z

n+h1

1
2i

dz(z)z n+h = (n + h)n .

(3.22)

Together with
1
Lm =
2i

dwT (w)wm+1

it gives us
I
I
1
n+h1 1
[Lm , n ] =
dzz
dwT (w)(z)wm+1 ,
2i
2i C
where again C is some contour of w around z. Using an expression (3.20) and Cauchys theorem
we will result in
I


1
[Lm , n ] =
dzz n+h1 h(m + 1)z m (z) + z m+1 (z) = (n + m(1 h))n+m , (3.23)
2i
13

where weve used (3.22) in the last transition.

Problem 3.8
In a physical system with primary field (z) with conformal dimension h vacuum |0i satisfies
Ln |0i = 0, n > 0,

L0 |0i = 0,

(3.24)

which is a special case of physical string state condition. Using (3.23), (3.24) we will get
L0 |i = h|i,

Ln |i = 0, n > 0

for state h |0i. Then this is a highest-weight state.

Problem 3.9
(i) We can calculate 2-point correlation function for arbitrary primary fields i (z1 , z1 ), j (z2 , z2 )
i ), (hj , h
j ):
with conformal weights (hi , h
hi (z1 , z1 )j (z2 , z2 )i0 = h0|i (z1 , z1 )j (z2 , z2 )|0i.
This may be done due to the following considerations. Quantum field theory possessing conformal symmetry should have conformally invariant correlation functions. Therefore it should
be
, h0|i (z1 , z1 )j (z2 , z2 )|0i = 0,
(3.25)
where (z) is a parameter of conformal transformation z z + (z). We can find out for which
types of correlation functions
S (3.25) holds invariant under action of SO(2, 2) = SL(2, R)
SL(2, R) = (L0 , L ) (L0 , L ) conformal transformations. Under the later transformations
we know that vacuum |0i is invariant - its an eigenstate with zero eigenvalue for (L0 , L )
operators, which follows from Virasoro algebra commutation rule
[Lm , Ln ] = (m n)Lm+n +

c
m(m2 1).
12

(3.26)

Physical vacuum is defined to possess Lm |0i = 0, m 0. If we apply (3.26) for m = n = 1,

we will immediately get L1 |0i = 0 (and similarly for left-moving generators L).
Therefore variation of correlation function (3.25) under SO(2, 2) conformal transformations
is all due to variation of conformal fields:
h, i (z1 , z1 )j (z2 , z2 )i0 + hi (z1 , z1 ), j (z2 , z2 )i0 = 0.
We know how conformal transformation acts on primary field (z, z):
(

, (z, z) = (h(z) + (z) + h

z ) + (
z ))(z,
z).
Define for shortness of writing
G(2) (zi , zi ) = hi (z1 , z1 )j (z2 , z2 )i0 .
1) Translations (z) = 1 (or any small constant)
[(1 + 2 ) + (1 + 2 )]G(2) (zi , zi ) = 0,
14

(3.27)

which divides into two complex conjugate conditions

(1 + 2 )G(2) (zi , zi ) = 0.

(1 + 2 )G(2) (zi , zi ) = 0,

These conditions give us generic dependence G(2) (zi , zi ) = G(2) (z1 z2 , z1 z2 ).

2) Scaling (z) = z
[z1 1 + z2 2 + hi + hj + (c.c)]G(2) (z1 z2 , z1 z2 ) = 0.
It follows for non-zero conformal weights that G(2) (z1 z2 , z1 z2 ) = Cij (z1 z2 )hi hj (
z1
i h
j
h
z2 )
.
3) Special conformal transformations (z) = z 2

[z12 1 + z22 2 + 2hi z1 + 2hj z2 + (c.c)]Cij (z1 z2 )hi hj (

z1 z2 )hi hj = 0.
i = h
j as a requirement, which is of course not true for different primary
It follows that hi = hj , h
fields i and j , generally speaking. Therefore (up to normaliztion constant multiplier) it holds
hi (z1 , z1 )j (z2 , z2 )i0 = ij

1
(z1

z2 )2hi (
z1

z2 )2h i

In the case of zero conformal weight steps 2) and 3) are modified to give logarithmic correlation function. The simplest way to see this is to observe that derivative of zero-weight field is
1-weight field with known correlation function, integration of which gives us logarithm.
(ii) Again, 3-point correlation function should be invariant under SL(2, 2) conformal transformations, which restricts it in a manner of (i) to the view
G(3) (zi , zi ) = hi (z1 , z1 )j (z2 , z2 )k (z3 , z3 )i0 =
Cijk

,
+h
h
h
+h
h
h
+h
h

h +h h h +h h h +h h h
z12i j k z13i k j z23j k i z12i j k z13i k j z23j k i
where zij = zi zj , zij = zi zj . The constant of proportionality may be determined for
z1 = , z2 = 0, z3 = 1 as

Cijk = lim z12hi z12hi G(3) .

=

z1

This is a single constant which 3-point correlation function depends on.

Problem 3.10
(i) According to Virasoro algebra commutation rule (3.26) and the constraint L0 |i = h|i we
find that
c
h|[Ln , Ln ]|i = (2nh + n(n2 1))h|i.
12
We also have the following constraint: Ln |i = 0, n > 0. Therefore (due to Ln = Ln ) we
proceed to
c
h|Ln Ln |i = (2nh + n(n2 1))h|i.
12
This is a relation between positive norms of vectors |i and Ln |i (details are explained
bellow). For n + we get
c
h|Ln Ln |i n3 h|i,
12
15

from which it follows that c > 0. For n = 1 we have

h|L1 L1 |i = 2hh|i,
and therefore h 0. For h = 0 we have zero-norm state L1 |i = 0. See details in the next
part of this solution
Here we also may add that c = 0 together with h = 0 would give zero norm for descendant
states of the kind Ln |i, which is impossible because we know that they are physical.
(ii) If |i = |0i, then L0 |i = 0 due to constraints on conformal vacuum Ln |0i = 0, n 0.
Then from constraint on highest weight state L0 |i = h|i it follows h = 0.
If h = 0, we got h|L1 L1 |i = 0, therefore in a unitary Hilbert space L1 |i = 0. Highest
weight state |i with zero conformal weight is determined by constraints Ln |i = 0, n 0.
These are vacuum-type constraints (as a consequence of Virasoro algebra this is SL(2, R)invariance of vacuum), therefore |i = |0i, and thus L1 |i = 0.
Problem 3.11
Consider the following expression for ghost SET:
Tbc (z) = : b(z)c(z) : +( 1) : c(z)b(z) : .

(3.28)

Here for fermi ghosts = +1 (if fields b, c satisfy bose-statistics then = 1). From this
formula and correlation functions for ghost conformal fields
hc(z)b(w)i0 =

1
,
zw

hb(z)c(w)i0 =

zw

we can derive OPE of SET (3.28) with itself:

Tbc (z)Tbc (w) =

c/2
2T (w)
T (w)
+
+
,
(z w)4 (z w)2
zw

where
c(, ) = 2(62 6 + 1).
The conformal anomaly term arised from completely contracted terms in Wick expansion of
T (z)T (w):
2 hb(z)c(w)i0 hc(z)b(w)i0 + ( 1)hb(z)c(w)i0 hc(z)b(w)i0 +
+( 1)hc(z)b(w)i0 hb(z)c(w)i0 + ( 1)2 hc(z)b(w)i0 hb(z)c(w)i0 .
Problem 3.12
Our objective here is to draw out a simplest strategy of proving the nilpotency of operator
I
QB = dz(cTX + : bcc :)
16

by anticommuting it with itself. We perform integration over two circle contours in double
complex plane with coordinates z and w. To perform calculations we use the following key
points:
1) Wick theorem with respect to minus sign arising when fermionic vacuum average (contraction, or correlation function) is brought out of normal product;
2) TX (z)TX (w) OPE;
3) Ghost fileds OPE;
4) :H c(z)c(w)
:= : c(w)c(z) : and so on;
H
5) H dzdwf (z, w) : c(z)c(w)
z) and so on;
H H := 0 for f (z, w) = f (w,
1
3
6) dw : c(w)c(w) := 3!
dwdz : c(z)c(w) : (zw)4 = 0;
HH
7)
dzdw : A1 (z)A2 (w)F1 (z)F2 (w) := 0 for fermions F1 , F2 and bosons A1 , A2 ;
8) Cauchys theorem to integrate around pole special points in z = w terms over z.
Example of applying the point 7) arises while computation of Q2B :
I I
dzdw : TX (z)c(z)b(w)c(w)c(w) := 0,
where TX (z) together with, e.g., b(w)c(w) are bosons.
The proof of point 7) is pretty obvious: double z, w integration is symmetric under interchange of variables z w, but fermions F1 (z), F2 (w) are antisymetric. Therefore their
contraction gives zero value, which already has shown itself in point 5). In point 7) presence of
bosons changes nothing because they are permutable under normal product.
Point 8) is useful to integrate remaining (after applying 5) and 7) points) terms of Q2B
expression over z.
All this key points should be applied to straightforward Q2B computation, which will result
in Q2B = 0.
An importatnt thing here to note is that theres no necessity for cX = 0 as a condition for
2
QB = 0. It does not contradict to the known fact that for Q2B = 0 its necessary to be c = 0
anomaly of SET, because later deals with total SET anomaly term but not just TX anomaly
term cX . Note also that in this problem we implicitly assumed total anomaly to be zero, because
of considered theory deals with proper Tbc and corresponding proper ghost Lagrangian, therefore
corresponding proper BRST symmetry transformations and BRST charge.
Problem 3.13
(i) Vertex operator has the form
V =: VR VL :,
where
VR = R XR (z) exp (ik XR (z)),

VL = L XL (
z ) exp (ik XL (
z )),

for bosonic string state of the type (R 1 + L

1 )|0; ki (with NL = NR = 1). Such a form
of vertex operator is chosen to enable 1
1 |0i form of the state.
= (0, 0),
(ii) Because of XR being a primary (conformal) field with conformal weights (h, h)
= (1, 0), where h is composed
vertex operator VR is a primary field with conformal weights (h, h)
k2
out of 8 from exp (ik XR (z)) and 1 from XR (z), which gives h = 1 in the sum due to
the mass-shell condition k 2 = 0, imposed independently. The physical state associated with
primary field with conformal dimension h is built as |i = Vh |0i, where Vh is to be taken
17

from expansion
VR (z) =

X Vn
,
n+h
z
n

and a vacuum state |0i satisfies constraints Vn |0i = 0, n > h. The same arguments are hold
for left-movers. Therefore the state, corresponding to primary field V (z, z) looks like
|i = V(R)1 V(L)1 |0i.
In the solution of Problem 3.8 it was shown that the state built out of primary field in a such
manner satisfies physical state conditions.
Problem 3.14
We start with a little introduction. The spectrum of bosonic string in BRST quantization
approach is a spectrum of bosonic excitations and ghosts excitations. Each physical state
belongs to some level, i.e., each physical state has some level number. Mass-shell condition is
equivalent to zero-mode Virasoro constraint of total SET:
L0 |i = 0 0 (p2 + m2 )|i = 0,
where
0 m2 =

+ N
cn ) + N + N
1,
n(Nbn + Ncn + N
bn

(3.29)

n>0

and weve used usual bosonic number operators

X
X
=
N=
n n ,
N

n
n,
n>0

n>0

and ghost number operators for each excitation level

Nbn = cn bn ,

= cnbn ,
N
bn

Ncn = bn cn ,

cn = bn cn .
N

(3.30)

The total number operator of bosonic string BRST spectrum is

Ntot = 0 m2 + 1.
This operator commutes with BRST charge, because its equal to the number of ghosts plus
the number of antighosts, consequently while QB increases the number of antighosts by 1 it
decreases the number of ghosts by 1, leaving Ntot constant. The presence of n-multiplier in the
summation over n in (3.29) when we insert (3.30) into it has clear meaning, e.g., it counts that
c2 |0; ki corresponds to +2 antighost number, because ghost anticommutator {cn , bm } = m,n
has no m-multiplier of Cronecer symbol on the r.h.s. in difference with -commutator case.
An examples useful for the construction of first (zero-mass) level:
Nb1 c1 |0; ki = c1 |0; ki,

Nc1 c1 |0; ki = 0,

Nb1 b1 |0; ki = 0,

Nc1 b1 |0; ki = b1 |0; ki.

B |i = 0 (which is the con1) For BRST invariance condition on physical states QB |i = Q

B |i = 0 separated into independent parts) to be able to retrieve Virasoro
dition QB |i + Q
physical state conditions on vacuum string state and excited states we should also impose
18

Siegel constraint b0 |i = 0 and no-ghost constraints bn |i = 0, n > 0 (and all corresponding b

constraints).
Hilbert space of string states decomposes into ghost states and -excitation states (we
assume
-excitations for closed string too) of bosonic coordinate fields X as a direct product.
Therefore we can build ghost spectrum and -spectrum separately, and then identify level
. On the
excitation number via ghost number operator U and string number operators N, N

same level N = N due to level-matching condition.

Vacuum is identified as a state annihilated by lowering operators either for ghosts or for
-excitations. Lowering operators are the ones with positive index. Ghosts zero-indices operators are supposed to annihilate vacuum state too, because in difference to 0 they depict
no-momentum state. But they cant do it simultaneously, because of their non-zero anticommutator. Therefore therere two vacuum states: annihilated by either b0 or c0 . As its
mentioned above for vacuum state to satisfy Virasoro constraint L0 |0; ki = |0; ki its necessary
to impose namely b0 -type constraint. Therefore for vacuum string state we have conditions for
right-movers
bn |0; ki = 0, cn |0; ki = 0, n |0; ki = 0, n > 0
for left-movers
bn |0; ki = 0,

cn |0; ki = 0,

n |0; ki = 0, n > 0

and Siegel constraints

b0 |0; ki = 0, b0 |0; ki = 0.
1

The excitation numbers

P are N = N = 0, U = 2 (ghost number operator is defined as
1
U = 2 (c0 b0 b0 c0 ) + n=1 (cn bn bn cn ), see BBS (3.89)).
Therere no BRST exact vacuum states |i = QB |i, because BRST operator QB raises ghost
number by 1 (remind that ghost number of b-field is -1, and ghost number of c-field is +1),
therefore ghost number of |i should be by 1 lower than ghost number of |0; ki vacuum state,
i.e., it should be |i = bn |0; ki or so. And then our BRST-exact state is (here its necessary
that n < 0 for bn not to annihilate ghost vacuum) to
|i = QB bn |0; ki = {QB , bn }|0; ki = (Ln n,0 )|0; ki = 0,

(3.31)

because of full Virasoro algebra is free of conformal anomaly and physical state condition on
vacuum may be written as (Ln n,0 )|0; ki = 0 for all n.
2) Now lets study first excited level of bosonic string in BRST quantization. Begin with
right-movers. We should impose a BRST quantization prescription
QB |i = 0.

(3.32)

and a Siegel constraint

b0 |i = 0.
We will use an expansion of BRST charge
X (X)
1X
(m n) : cm cn bm+n : .
QB =
(Lm m,0 )cm
2
m
m
Combination of a Sigel constraint with (3.32) will result in a a mass-shell condition
(L0 1)|i = 0,
19

(3.33)

where normal-ordered zero mode of the full SET is (as pointed in the very beginning of this
solution but with shift of L0 for convenience of notation there and with ordinary notation
without shift here)
X
X
1
n(cn bn + bn cn ).
L0 =
n n + 02 +
2
n>0
n>0
On the general first level state
|i = (e 1 + b1 + c1 )|0; ki

(3.34)

with 28 degrees of freedom the mass-shell condition is realized as follows

0 = (L0 1)|i = (LX
0 1)|i + (c1 b1 + b1 c1 ) (e 1 + b1 + c1 )|0; ki =
= (LX
0 1)|i + (c1 + b1 )|0; ki.

(3.35)

Now using (3.33) expansion we can write constraint (3.32) for general first level state (3.34):
0 = QB |i = c0 (LX
0 1)|i

1X
(m n) : cm cn bm+n : (e 1 + b1 + c1 )|0; ki +
2 m

X
X
+(c1 LX
1 + c1 L1 )(e 1 + b1 + c1 )|0; ki = c0 (L0 1)|i + (c1 + b1 )|0; ki +
+(c1 0 1 + c1 0 1 )|i = (0 ec1 + 0 1 )|0; ki.
In the last transition weve used a mass-shell constraint (3.35).
Obviously the norm of considered state is
h|i = |e|2 h0; k|0; ki.
P
2
Here |e|2 = |e0 |2 + 25
i=1 |ei | .
Therefore we see that for physical state its necessary = 0, p e = 0, where weve used
0 p expression for string center-of-mass momentum. Therefore therere are 26 linearly
independent states left: 24 of them are bosonic states with positive norm and 2 are antighost
c1 state and p 1 zero-norm (because of p2 = 0) state, this 2 states are orthogonal to all
physical states including themselves (physical states with zero norm, orthogonal to all physical
states, are null spurious states).
Now lets study cohomology group of considered first-level state |i. All BRST exact firstlevel states |i should be built out of states | 0 i with the general view (3.34), because operator
QB obviously commutes with the number operator due to BRST invariance of a state. Therefore
all BRST exact states have the form of
|i = (0 e0 c1 + 0 0 1 )|0; ki = 0.
Therefore states of ghost field c1 |0; ki and longitudinal state p 1 |0; ki are unphysical, and
may be changed inside the same cohomology class. We have therefore just 24 physical states
of bosonic string on first level - the same result as obtained in light-cone quantization.
All contemplations applied for right-movers may be repeated for left movers just word by
word with the change
, b b, c c. As a result we will get 242 = 576 physical states
of the form
|i = (e 1 + c1 + e
1 + c1 )|0; ki
20

with the norm

h|i = (|e|2 + |
e|2 )h0; k|0; ki.
States of ghost fields c1 |0; ki, c1 |0; ki and longitudinal states p 1 |0; ki, p
1 |0; ki are
unphysical. As a result weve obtained transversal bosonic string spectrum but without breaking
explicit covariance of approach.
Problem 3.15
Here Ntot = 2 for the state of an open string spectrum. The most general state is

|i = 2 + 1
+ b2 + c2 + c1 b1 + c1 1 1 + b1 2 1 |0; ki.
1
Here only symmetric part = of -matrix survives, but when we will be considering
construction of BRST-exact states bellow we will not restrict ourselves by such condition on
-matrix. The same view has the most general non-closed BRST state, on which action of QB
gives Ntot = 2 BRST-exact physical state. The action of BRST charge (3.33) can be easily
written as follows


1
QB |i = c0 (L0 1)|i + ( 2 0 + 1 1 + c2 0 + c2 +
2

+2c1 0 1
1 0 c1 + 3c2 + 1 0 2 1 + 2 2 )|0; ki,

(3.36)

and we also have mass-shell condition

(L0 1)|i = 0.

, which
Notice that c1 1 1 |0; ki states are BRST-exact (thanks to the term c1 0 1
leads to equation of the form 0 = 1 ) and we can right now exclude all such states and
therefore parameters 1 from our consideration (of course therere another BRST-exact states,
which will be considered bellow). Therefore for the state |i to be BRST-closed its necessary
(we put 0 = p ) for the following conditions to be satisfied

= 0,

p + tr = 0,

2 = 0,

0 = 0,

= 0.

BRST-exact states of Ntot = 2 are constructed with the help of operators (we just enumerate
kinds of terms in (3.36) except for excluded c1 1 1 )
2 0 ,

1 1 ,

c2 ,

0 2 1
1
,

2 2 .

(3.37)

Among them 2 2 may be already excluded by imposing a condition of BRST-closeness,

because the idea is to exclude from BRST-closed states all which are BRST-exact too. We can
calculate total number of states. Initially we had
dim(|i) dim(1 ) = 26 +

26 27
+ 3 + 26,
2

then we have closeness constraints of number 52+3. Finally among BRST-closed states therere
1 + 26 BRST-exact (because among (3.37) first and second operators are particular cases of the
fifth and fourth correspondingly and weve excluded 2 2 as mentioned above). As a result
therere 324 physical states on Ntot = 2, which are not BRST-exact. The same number was
obtained in light-cone quantization.
21

Strings with world-sheet supersymmetry

Problem 4.1
(0) First of all, fermionic Lagrangian describes D Majorana fermions each of which belongs
to d = 1 fundamental representation of Cl1 Clifford algebra. Thats why theres no 5 -type
matrices and Dirac conjugate spinors in Lagrangian. Situation will change after quantization,
see Problem 4.3.
(i) The Lagrangian considered in this problem is a special case of massless scalar field +
massless fermionic field SUSY Lagrangian for 1D case. The bosonic part has clear physical
meaning because of giving correct equation of motion for free particle (BTW, for massive
particle too). Using Lagrange equations we can derive equations of motions
= 0.

X = 0,

It was also used the fact of anticommutation of with while using Lagrange equation for
fermionic field.
(ii) Here we should use = while calculating S0 . Proper
boundary conditions are
R
d
i

X = 0 at = , which are necessary because S0 = 2 d d (X ). General formula
with auxiliary fields, valid for local SUSY transformations, is derived in (ii) point of the Problem
4.2
(iii) Majorana fermion is real and stays real due to equations of motion. Under SUSY
transformation X = i bosonic coordinate field X should vary by real value, therefore
ought to be real. At the same time we have (1 2 )? = 2 1 . We can find
i
(1 2 2 1 )X = (2 1 1 2 )X = X ,
2
where ( )? = due to pointed above. As expected Lie bracket of SUSY transformations on
fermionic field also closes on translation:
i
(1 2 2 1 ) = (2 1 1 2 ) = .
2
Problem 4.2
(i) This may be proved in two ways. First is infinitesimal with the aid of direct application of
given infinitesimal variations. The second way is based on the following facts: 1) Infinitesimal
variations e = dd (e) and = dd () for 0 = ( ) are small limits of full transformations
e( )d = e0 ( 0 )d 0 and ( )d = 0 ( 0 )d 0 ; 2) if we write X = X( ( 0 )) we will obtain dX
=
d 0
dX d
0
, where both derivatives in the r.h.s. are taken in time moment; point 2) can be
d d 0
rewritten literally for fermionic field . Therefore we got
!
X X iX
d
+
i =
2e
e
d
= d 0 0
d

1 d
0
2e ( 0 ) d 0

dX
d 0

2 

d 0
d

2

0
0
i d dX d 0
0 0 d
d d
+ 0 0

(
)

e ( ) d 0 d 0 d
d
d 0 d

22

!
.

Obviously this ends the proof of invariance of action under reparametrization.

(ii) We should use anticommutation of classical fermions , , and their derivatives; we will
result in the following variation of action under local SUSY transformations:


Z
d
i

S0 = d
X .
d 2e
(iii) Lagrange equations for auxiliary fields , e give rise to constraints
X
= 0,
e

X X X
+
= 0,
2e2
e2

which admit the solution (gauge choice) e = 1, = 0 and as a result corresponding constraints
look like
X = 0,
X 2 = 0.
The second is the mass-shell condition.
Problem 4.3
(i) Equations of motion for supersymmetric particle in Problem 4.1 are
= 0.

= 0,
X
General solution is
X ( ) = x + p ,

= b ,

where b are D Majorana d = 1 constant in time fermions. Therefore canonical quantization

requires {b , b } = and [x , p ] = i . Because of P = X = p and [p , p ] = 0, the
later means [X , X ] = i .
(ii) Ground state satisfies the condition
p |0i = 0.
Fermionic part should be incorporated too. Because of absence of any fermionic excitations
(fermions dont have time dependence), fermions b should appear already in vacuum state
|0, bi. At the same time for = 12 b from quantization condition we obtain Dirac matrices
anticommutation relations
{ , } = 2 ,
which means that fermionic part of the vacuum forms a representation of Dirac algebra:
b |0; ai = 12 ab |0; bi. Here b is an index running 2[D/2] values of dimension of fundamental representation of ClD1,1 algebra. Therefore vacuum state is space-time fermion, which
leads to the fact that excited states (for free particle excited states are non-zero momentum
states) are space-time fermions too (fermions with non-zero momentum). They are built as
|k ; bi = k |0; bi:
p |k; bi = k |k; bi.
R
To cope with this one may consider p = dkk |kihk| diagonal operator.
(iii) The constraint X 2 = 0 means that our space-time fermion is massless. The constraint
23

X = 0 after quantization looks like k ab |b; ki = 0. This is massless Dirac equation for
ClD1,1 spinors in momentum representation.
Problem 4.4
We consider local supersymmetry transformations
X = ,

= ( X ) + B ,

Variation of action
S =

= ( X )
+ B ,

B = .



d2 X X + B B

is therefore
S =

d2 [2 X ( X )
+ ( X ) +
+B + B 2
( )B ].

Last three terms with the help of the following identity for Majorana fermions

=
may be rewritten as
Z

d2 (B ),

which will not contribute to supercurrent because of being an integral of total derivative. Notice
that for Majorana fermions , it also takes place
= ,
which is not too difficult to prove. Applying this identity for our variation of action we will get
Z

S = d2 [2 X ( X )
+ ( (( X )
)) (B )] =
Z

d2 [ (2( X )
)( X )
B )2( X )
+2 (( X )
) )] =
Z
1
= d2 [2( X )
+ 2 (( X )
)( + ( )) )] + .
2
Dots represent terms with integration of total derivatives having no affection on supercurrent.
We also antisymmetrize the product of Dirac matrices because then it will be convenient to
perform summation of it with symmetric X being the term from (( X )
) (this summation gives zero result). As a result we obtain
Z

S = 2 d2 ( X )( ) .
=

The rest is obvious: two-component (spinor) supercurrent is

JA = 2( )A X .
24

Invariance of action (up to total derivative) requires convergence of cupercurrent. The later
requires being on-shell. An important thing is that we havent used equations of motion for
the deduction of expression
Z

S = d2 J .
For global SUSY transformations action will be invariant up to a total derivative even off-shell
(while convergence of supercurrent requires being on-shell). And this is held even if we deal
with SUSY with no auxiliary fields, because later are of use to close of super-Poincare algebra
off-shell, not for SUSY invariance.
Problem 4.5

We deal with open string therefore 0 = ls p . At the same time we have ls = 20 .

NS sector: zero-point Virasoro constraint with aN S = 21 is
L0

1
= 0,
2

where normal ordered zero Virasoro operator is given by

1
L0 = 02 + N,
2
with number operator
N=

i
n
ni +

n>0

rbir bir .

r>0

Therefore we get mass formula

1
0 M 2 = N .
2
R sector: zero point Virasoro constraint is built with aR = 0 and
1
L0 = 02 + N,
2
where number operator is
N=

i
n
ni +

n>0

ndin din .

n>0

Corresponding mass formula is

0 M 2 =

i
n
ni +

n>0

ndin din .

n>0

Problem 4.6
R sector for arbitrary dimension of space-time D in light-cone quantization:
D2

D2

1 XX i i
1 XX i i
L0 =
n n +
nd d =
2 n i=1
2 n i=1 n n
25

X D2
X

i
ni
n

ndin din

n>0 i=1

D2


1 2 1 XX
i
+ 0 +
] n{din , din } =
[ni , n
2
2 n>0 i=1

X D2
X
n>0 i=1

1
i
ni + ndin din + 02 .
n
2

It proves that aR = 0.
NS sector for arbitrary D in light-cone quantization:
D2

D2

1 XX i i
1 XX i i
L0 =
n n +
rb b =
2 n i=1
2 r i=1 r r
=

X D2
X
n>0 i=1

i
n
ni

X D2
X

D2

rbir bir

r>0 i=1

That means

aN S =

D2

1
1 XX i
1 XX
i
+ 02 +
[n , n
]
r{bir , bir }.
2
2 n>0 i=1
2 r>0 i=1

D2
n
2
n=1

r =

r=1/2

D2
,
16

for which weve used zeta-function regularization. In the case of D = 10Pit gives aN S = 12 . Let us

1
clarify a thing
Pabout used zeta function regularization. Define Seven = n=0 2n = 2(1) = 6
and Sodd = n=0 (2n+1). Then (we introduce one more redundant equation just out of curiosity
of exploration of infinite sums)
1
Sodd + Seven = ,
12

X
Sodd Seven =
1.
n=0

The second equation is the one which we do not use. From the first one we conclude Sodd =
This is what we used above. Now we also can conclude

1=

n=0

1
.
12

1
.
4

Problem 4.7
R sector The numbers pointed bellow should be multiplied by 8 - the number of spinor |0 i
components:
di2 |0 i
8
di1 dj1 |0 i
i
2
|0 i

28
8

j
i
1
|0 i
1

36

j
|0 i
di1 1

64

26

Total number of states is 1152 = 144 8

NS sector The numbers in front of each state are the numbers of that states
bi5/2 |0i

j
bi3/2 1
|0i

64

j
bi1/2 2
|0i

64

j
k
1
|0i
bi1/2 1

288

l
|0i
bi1/2 bj1/2 bk1/2 1

448

bi1/2 bj1/2 bk1/2 bl1/2 bm

1/2 |0i
bi3/2 bj1/2 bk1/2 |0i

56

224

Total number of states is 1152. Notice that numbers of bosonic and fermionic space-time states
are equal to each other.
Problem 4.8
It may be verified directly (take into account that = ):

1
(
AB +
AB +
3 3AB ) =
2i

1
= ((2 1 1 2 )AB + (1 1 + 2 2 )0AB + (2 2 1 1 )1AB + (2 1 + 1 2 )3AB ).
2
It should be equal to
1
A B = A 0CB C ,
i
and it really does, which may be proved for concrete A, B values.
Problem 4.9
Consider general world-sheet supersymmetric RNS action
Z
1
S=
d2 ( X X + ),
2
possessing Lorentz symmetry. Bosonic part was already explored in Problem 2.8. Here we are
going to study fermionic part. Due to the first Noether theorem space-time Lorentz symmetry transformation of index (not world-sheet transformation of index , for which fermions
transform as spinors) with parameters leads to Noether current (this is a transformation
of fields X , , for which coordinates of manifold they are defined on - world-sheet - remain
unchanged - active transformations)

K
=

L

,
( )

27

where for transformation of field (x) we would have

0 () = () +

where we dont transform internal -coordinates of world-sheet, which for active transformation
variation means

.
() =

At the same time for Lorentz transformations

= .
All these facts lead us to conclusion that fermionic Noether current for Lorentz transformation
is

= .
K
Actually if we complete the action by total derivative to make it explicitly real we will result in

=
K

1
.
2

Noether charge is given by expression

Z
Z
Z

i


1
0
0
0

K =
dK =
d =
d T T .
2 0
2 0
0
Now we proceed to open string in NS sector:
 



1 X br eir( )

=
=
.

+
2 r br eir( +)
Substitue this expansion into expression for fermionic Lorentz generator:
Z
X




i
iX

d
br bp br bp cos((r + p))ei(r+p) =
K =
br br br br .
2 0
2 r
r,p
This may be rewritten as
K = i

br br br br .

r>0

Finally we can write down these generators in light-cone quantization. There we have b+
r = 0.
Therefore (i = 2, . . . , 9):
X


K ij = i
bir bjr bjr bir , K i = 0, K + = 0.
r>0

Note that using literally the same contemplations as in Problem 2.9 it may be verified commutativity of Lorentz generators with Virasoro operators.
Problem 4.10
In this solution we begin with construction of RNS theory in conformal coordinates.
28

We focus on open string NS sector. We dont consider R sector because in this problem its
not asked to verify expansion of Fm coefficients through oscillator modes. We can do almost
the same for the closed string case quite literally repeating contemplations provided here with
just slight appropriate redefinitions.
First of all note that change i (that is we make change of variables: 0 = i and
then from notation 0 go to notation , that is make simple replacement 0 ), Wick rotation
and proceeding to conformal coordinates z = e i gives:
=

=i
=i
= izz .
=

( )
(i )
( i)
( i) z

Therefore the following open-string expansion (in ls = 1 units):

X =

1 X im( )
e
2 m m

after change i , Wick rotation and proceeding to Riemann plane transforms to

izX (z) =

1 X m
i X m1
X (z) =
.
m z
z
2 m
2 m m

Therefore we can figure out expansion for bosonic part of energy-momentum tensor coefficients:
I
1
1X
(b)
Lm =
: n m+n : .
dzz m+1 (2 : X X :) =
2i
2 n
Note that we also have

+ = i
z .
(z,
z)
Jacobian of transition (, ) (z, z) is equal to det (,)
= 2iz z. In the last formula
0
is actually , that is we made change i before transition to conformal coordinates.
Change i gave (again, we actually perfom change of coordinates = i 0 and then
rename 0 )
d
d d = 0 d 0 d = id 0 d id d.
d
Therefore surface area in new and old coordinates are related by formula

d d =

d2 z
,
2z z

where in l.h.s. of the last equation is original world-sheet time coordinate. This formula is
supposed to be substituted into string action. R
1
Original Polyakov bosonic action Sb = 2
d2 X X due to

X X = 4z zX X
R

in conformal coordinates (z, z) is written as SRb = 1 d2 zX X.

1
2

Now consider fermionic action: Sf = 2 d . First of all we observe that



0 2iz

=
,
2i
z
0
29

 0
0

= i 0
 i was taken into account. Dirac equations of motion
z ). Original action
+ = 0 for original spinors = + mean that (z), + (


R
+ 1
. The appearence of extra multipliers inside
transforms to Sf = 2i d2 z z1
z
This will transform
action should be eliminated by a special change 1z , 1z .
P

= 12 r br eir( ) (together with Wick rotation and proceeding to conformal coorinates)

to
1 X r 1
2.
(z) =
br z
2 r
where the fact =

This matches nicely with the fact that fermionic field is a primary field with conformal dimension
h = 21 . Before proceeding to computation of expansion of Gr we also change normalization of
fermions to make the action look like
Z


1
+
.
Sf =
d2 z
4
This will lead to a total action of world-sheet supersymmetric open string in conformal coordinates


1
1
1

2X X + + .
(4.38)
S=
2
2
2
Now from Lagrangian (4.38) we can deduce bosonic SET, which is Noether current corresponding to translation of world-sheet coordinates
1
TB (z) = 2X(z) X(z) (z) (z).
2
At the same time

(f )

X Lm
1
,
(z) (z) =
2
z m+2
m
while bosonic part have been already described above. Using Cauchys theorem we can obtain
(f )
mode expansion of Lm :
m
1 X
)
L(f
=
r
+
: br bm+r : .
m
2 r
2
And finally from supercurent mode expansion
2i(z) X(z) =

X Gr
z r+3/2
r

we will obtain
Gr =

bp rp .

Problem 4.11
We will use formulae for fermionic and bosonic SETs:
TF (z) = 2i (z)X (z),
30

1
TB (z) = 2X X ,
2
Wick theorem and formulae for bosonic and fermionic fields correlation functions (OPEs). As a
result we will obtain the following OPE (dots represent non-singular - normal-ordered - terms):
TF (z)TF (w) = 4 : (z)X (z) (w)X (w) : 4h (z) (w)i : X (z)X (w) :
4hX (z)X (w)i : (z) (w) : 4h (z) (w)ihX (z)X (w)i =
= 4
= 4

: X(z) X(w) : : (z) (w) :

D
+
+
+ =
zw
(z w)2
(z w)3

D
: X(w) X(w) : : (w) (w) :
D
TB (w)

+
+ .
+

=
+
2
zw
zw
(z w)3
(z w)3
zw

Problem 4.13
We will use field equations actively to reduce immediately a huge amount of terms in S
variation:
= 0, c
=
= 0, X
= 0.

As a result we will obtain

Z
2S = 2

.
d2 z cX X

Therefore total action S = Smatter + Sghost possesses on-shell BRST symmetry.

Problem 4.14
(i) Its known that a pair of ghost-antighost fields c, b with conformal dimensions 1 ,
respectively possesses energy-momentum tensor (3.28):
Tbc (z) = : b(z)c(z) : +( 1) : c(z)b(z) : ,
where = +1 for fermionic ghosts and = 1 for bosonic ghosts. In superconformal theory
besides (b, c) fermionic
ghosts with (2, 1) conformal dimensions we also have (, ) bosonic


3 1
ghosts with 2 , 2 conformal dimensions. Therefore we got the following formula for total
bosonic SET:
1
3
TBgh =: 2bc + cb : .
2
2
For bosonic ghost primary fields we define expansions corresponding to values of their conformal
weights:
X n
X n
(z) =
,
(z)
=
.
n+3/2
n1/2
z
z
n
n
Using these formulae and Cauchys theorem we can determine modes of expansion T =
P Lgh
k()
n z k+2 :

X k
gh
Lk() =
m k+m m .
2
m

31

In a similar way it may be found a fermionic ghost contribution

X
Lgh
(m n)bm+n cn .
m(bc) =
n

Total ghost mode contribution to energy-momentum tensor is therefore


X
X m
gh
Lm =
(m n) : bm+n cn : +
n : m+n n : .
2
n
n
Now lets use holomorphic fermionic energy-momentum tensor (Noether supercurrent, corresponding to supertranslations)
3
TFgh = 2b + c + c
2
P Gr
and Cauchys theorem to derive mode components of expansion TFgh = r zr+3/2
. Ghost contribution may be easily calculated with the help of known Laurent expansions of primary fields
b, c, , . It is given by equation



X
3
3
gh
2bn rn + n +
crn n + (n 1)rn cn =
Gr =
2
2
n
= 2

X
n



n
bn rn + r
rn cn .
2

We have used commutativity of r and cn modes.

(ii) In the Problem 3.11 it was derived general formula
c(, ) = 2(62 6 + 1).
for ghost energy-momentum tensor (3.28). We can use it to calculate contribution of bosonic
ghosts to central charge: its equal to 11. Contribution of fermionic ghosts is known to be equal
. Requiring total central
to 26, and contribution of bosonic+fermionic world sheet fields is 3D
2
charge to be zero we will obtain the condition on space-time dimension: D = 10.
Problem 4.15
We will deal with NS sector but the solution is literally the same in the case of R sector: just
replace all half-integer r type indices by integer m type ones and G by F .
BRST charge has a form of


I
1
3
1
matter
matter
2
dz cTB
+ TF
+ bcc c c b .
QB =
2i
2
2
It has ghost number +1 (the number of c-ghosts minus the number of b-antighosts) and conformal ghost number +1 (number of ghosts ). For general energy-momentum tensor and
primary field (z) with conformal weight h it was derived in the solution of Problem 3.7 the
following relation:
[Lm , n ] = (m(h 1) n)m+n .
32

Using this we can obtain

[Lm , bn ] = (m n)bm+n ,

[Lm , r ] =

m
2

r m+n .

From BRST transformations it directly follows that

{QB , b(z)} = TB (z),

[QB , (z)] = TF (z),

from which follows

{QB , bn } = Ln aN S n,0 ,

[QB , r ] = Gr .

Now we have a total anomaly-free superextended Virasoro algebra

[Lm , Ln ] = (m n)(Lm+n aN S m+n,0 ),

[Lm , Gr ] =

m
2


r Gm+r .

With the help of all pointed out above we can prove that r.h.s. of the following equations
vanish:
{[QB , Lm ], bn } = {[Lm , bn ], QB } + [{bn , QB }, Lm ] = 0,
{[QB , Lm ], r } = {[Lm , r ], QB } + [{r , QB }, Lm ] = 0.
Therefore [QB , Lm ] being non-zero can not contain c and ghosts, but its known to have a
positive ghost and conformal ghost numbers. Thus [QB , Lm ] = 0. Treating of {[QB , Gr ], bn }
and {[QB , Gr ], r } in a similar manner proves them to be zero too. It follows that
1
1
1
[Q2B , bn ] = [{QB , QB }, bn ] = [{QB , bn }, QB ] + [{bn , QB }, QB ] = [Ln , QB ] = 0,
2
2
2

(4.39)

1
1
1
[Q2B , n ] = [{QB , QB }, n ] = {[QB , n ], QB } + [{n , QB }, QB ] = [Gr , QB ] = 0, (4.40)
2
2
2
where weve used graded Jacobi identities. The last two expressions lead to the conclusion,
that Q2B being non-zero can not contain c and ghosts. But it has +1 ghost number and +1
conformal ghost number. Therefore Q2B = 0.

Strings with space-time supersymmetry

Problem 5.1
Supersymmetric particle action is given by
Z
Z
p
11 .

S = S1 + S2 = m d 0 0 m d
Momentum of particle is proportional to
0

=
= X

X 0 0A 0A

0
0

where
X 0 ( 0 ) = X ( ),

0A ( 0 ) = A ( ).
33

0
,

Therefore
Z
S1 m

d
0
0

s
00

00

2

Z
= S1 ,

S2 m

d 0

0
0 0
= S2 ,

11
0
0

which ends the proof of reparametrization invariance.

Problem 5.2
(i) Massive point particle may be described by action


Z
1
1 2
2
S0 =
d
X m e .
2
e
A
A:
From this we can get action for supersymmetric action by replacing X X


Z
1
1 A A 2
2
(X ) m e .
d
S=
2
e
(ii) Massless limit gives an action
Z
Z
1
1 A A 2 1
1
S=
d (X ) =
d 20 ,
2
e
2
e
equation of motion for auxiliary field e( ) gives constraint 20 = 0.
(iii) In the theory with action possessing an auxiliary field the view of local -symmetry may
be represented as:
A = 0 A ,

A A ,
X =

A.
e = 4e
A

(5.41)

Because of ( p)2 = 0 means half-degeneracy of matrix p half of A components may be

A.
fixed. We can notice that (5.41) transformations for point particle give 0 = 2
A 0
This leads to S = 0 even without implicit use of 20 = 0, i.e. off-shell. This simple fact may
be verified by the following line of calculations:
A = 4
A = 2
A =
20 = 20 0 = 40
A 0
A ( 0 )2
A ( + )0 0
A.
= 420
A
Or we can consider alternative representation of -transformation of spinor
A =
A P
and corresponding -transformation of auxiliary field e( ) to make action invariant:
e =

4e A
A.

P 0
20

Bosonic coordinate transformation is the same as in (5.41) (with appropriate A ). In this case
transformation of spinor differs from that considered above by supersymmetry translation.
This follows from the definition of P :
1
0
P = (1 p
11 ).
2
20
34

Therefore our calculations above automatically prove invariance of the action under -transformations
written in the form BBS (5.32).
Problem 5.3
We know, that for C = 0 we got C = T C in Majorana representation ( = T ).
Therefore
C1 n C 1 = C[1 2 n ] C 1 = C[1 C 1 C2 C 1 Cn ] C 1 =
= (1)n T[1 T2 Tn ] = (1)n Tn 1 ,
therefore
C1 n = (1)n Tn 1 C.
We will use it bellow (remember also that any time we permute spinors we have to insert minus
sign and that C T = C):
1 1 n 2 =
1 [ n ] 2 = T1 C[ n ] 2 =

1
1
= T2 T[n T1 ] C T 1 = T2 T[n T1 ] C1 =
2 n 1 1 =
= T2 T1 n C1 = (1)n
= (1)n+

n(n1)
2

In the case of n = 1 we get (1)

2 1 n 1 = (1) n(n+1)
2 1 n 1 .
2

n(n+1)
2

= 1 and return to the formula

1 2 =
2 1 .

Problem 5.4
In the proof of SUSY invariance of action S2 (Problem 5.7) its pointed out the following
identity:
[1 2 3] = 0,
where its assumed antisymmetrization over spinors. Because of
d = ,
, , dx dx dx
dd
assumes antisymmetrization too (for set of different values of , , ), we conclude, that this
value is zero.
Problem 5.5
Therere at least two ways to prove invariance of the action. First is to use expression
Z
Z
S2 =
2 =
3 ,
M

where M is world-sheet, which after diffeomorphism transformation and possibly (in the case
of open string) glueing of edges, becomes the border of some D. According to Stokes theorem
3 = d2 , and we know 2 because we know action. Therefore (see BBS (5.44))
1 d1 d
2 d2 ) .
3 = c(d
35

This is SUSY-invariant 3-form, because its composed of invariant forms dA , . Therefore

S = 0. Lets prove used here formula BBS (5.44). Observe that when we take d2 basing
A dA to accomplish dX to
on BBS (5.55) expression we can add and subtract term
1-form. Then we will get
1 d1 d
2 d2 )(dX
A dA ) +
d2 = (d
1 d1 d
2 d2 )(
1 d1 +
2 d2 )
+(d
1 d1
2 d2
1 d1 d
2 d2 =
d
1 d1 d
1 d1 +
2 d2 d
2 d2 .
= 3
In these calculations we have used the fact that all products of 1-forms are wedges.
Second way assumes direct calculation: substitution of SUSY transformations
A = A ,

X = A A

inside variation of action. All such variations use property of antysymmetrization - wedge
product - which makes fermions permutable with no change of sign. How this may be done (on
an example of SUSY invariance) is studied in the solution of Problem 5.7.
Problem 5.6
The simplest way to solve this problem is to notice that while in 1 1 2 2 we have antisymmetrization over all indices, in {1 1 , 2 2 } antisymmetrization is performed only among
first and second pairs of indices. Therefore in the relation between these two values should
be presented anticommutators of gamma-matrices with extra antisymmetrizations, which is
actually symmetrization in each concrete term because we only have -value to employ for
any generic equation. Therefore we got
1 1 2 2 = a{1 1 , 2 2 } + b1 2 1 2 + c1 2 1 2 .
For 1 = 2 = 1 = 2 all gamma-matrices perish, and for equation to hold we ought to impose
c = b. For 1 = 0, 1 = 1, 2 = 2, 2 = 3 we have {1 1 , 2 2 } = 20123 (because
antisymmetrization assumes division by factorial) and 1 1 2 2 = 0123 . Due to c = b etaterms cancel each other, and we are to impose a = 2. Therefore we have obtained
1 1 2 2 = 2{1 1 , 2 2 } + b1 2 1 2 b1 2 1 2 .

(5.42)

Consider now 1 = 2 = 0, 1 = 2 = 1. We have {1 1 , 2 2 } = 20 1 0 1 =

20 0 1 1 = 2I and r.h.s. of (5.42) is equal to b. Therefore b = 2, c = 2 and
1 1 2 2 = 2{1 1 , 2 2 } 21 2 1 2 + 21 2 1 2 .

Problem 5.7
We already sure that the action S2 is supersymmetric, because
Z
Z
S2 =
2 =
3 ,
M

36

where M is world-sheet and 3 is composed of SUSY-invariant 1-forms. But we can also show
supersymmetry invariance explicitly. We have the action
Z
1
1 1
2 2 )
1 1
2 2 ]
S2 =
d2 [ X (

which may be rewritten in a geometrical form

Z
Z


1
1 d1
2 d2 )dX
1 d1
2 d2 .
2 =
(
S2 =
M
M
We assume wedge products everywhere where differentials (1-forms) are multiplied. Otherwise
1 d1 = d
1 d1 = 0 due to expression for Majorana spinors
we would have d

(see solution to Ex. 5.1, which is generalized in the solution of Problem 5.3 here). But
with wedge product = .
Substitution of supersymmetry transformations
A = A ,

X = A A

inside the variation of action S2 results in

2 = d(
1 d1 X 2 d2 X ) +
1 d1 1 d1 +
1 d1 2 d2
2 d2 1 d1
2 d2 2 d2
+
2 d2
1 d1 2 d2 =

1 d1
= d(
1 d1 X 2 d2 X ) +
1 d1 1 d1
2 d2 1 d1
2 d2 2 d2 1 d1
2 d2 .
+
Because of wedge products are assumed here last and pre-pre-last terms cancel each other:
2 d2 and 1 d1 are bosons and they are permutable therefore, but they are 1-forms at

the same time, therefore they ought to be antisymmetrized, if multiplied by wedge product;
but they are symmetrized.
Therefore to show superinvariance of the action we must explore terms of the type
d.
A = d
This may be rewritten as
A = (A1 + A2 )d2 ,
where


2
+
0
,
0 + 0
3

1
2
0
=
A2 =
0 + 0

3
1
0 ) 1 (
).

=
(


3
3
Notice that A2 is a total derivative, and A1 vanishes because its of the type
A1 =

[1 2 3]
37

(5.43)

 and antisymmetrization, assumed by square brackets. This expression is

with = (, 0 , )
proved to vanish in super Yang-Mills theory (see, e.g., GSW vol.1 App. 4A).
Therefore supersymmetric variation of S2 is an exact form, and invariance
of action depends
R
on boundary conditions on M . But in terms of D-integral action D 3 has invariance independent of any boundary conditions. The thing is that we can retrieve 2 from 3 only up
to an exact form: 2 2 + d, because the only relation between 2 and 3 is 3 = d2 .
Therefore to the variation of 2 Rit may be added any exact form of the type d, which will
enable supersymmetry of action M 2 independently of any boundary conditions on M .
Problem 5.8
The superstring action in light cone gauge has the same form as RNS superstring action:
Z
1
d2 ( Xi X i + Sa S a ),
(5.44)
S=
2
where S a = (S1a , S2a ) is 16-component space-time spinor (composed of two Majorana-Weyl
spinors with reduced by half number of components due to light-cone gauge) where S1a and
S2a are transformed (in spinor representation) under Spin(8) with two opposite chiralities in
type-IIA theory and with the same chiralities in type-IIB theory. In considered here case of
type-I superstring S1 = S2 .
After fixing of light-cone gauge we are left with 8-component spinor S = S1 = S2 but actually
in open string we have 16 supersymmetries - the number of Majorana-Weyl spinor components
in ten space-time dimensions. It means that we can perform not only supersymmetry transformations which preserve light-cone gauge but also supersymmetry transformations that violate
it. The later are to be accompanied with corresponding -transformation - according to the
very idea of application of -symmetry.
Consider first such space-time SUSY transformations, that doesnt violate light-cone gauge
of S a , i.e. such S a = a that + = 0 (a is spinor index, which is also one of indices of Spin(8)
-matrix). This expression eliminates half of the components of 16D a . At the same time from
+ = 0, therefore with the help of inserting
+ = 0 for some (being S or here) follows
1
+
+
i
1 = 2 ( + ) between and in the expression i S it may be easily shown that
i S = 0. Therefore we have 8-parametric SUSY transformations preserving light-cone gauge:
S a = a ,

X i = i S = 0.

Using this transformation laws we can construct Noether current with the help of Noether
theorem:
Z
Z
1
2
a
a
S =
d S = d2 a J a ,
2
R
from
we can conclude that conserved Noether charge is given by Qa = 2 0 dJa0 =
R which
d0 Sa . Zero modes of Noether currents are symmetry algebra generators (this ideology is
0
described on pages 68-69 BBS). Here they are
p
Qa = 2p+ S0a ,
and they indeed generate appropriate transformations:
p
S a = 2p+ a ,
X i = 0.
38

Consider then SUSY transformations that violate light-cone gauge of S a . Such SUSY transformations should be accompanied with local -transformation, which we write in a form similar
to that used for point particle in the solution of Problem 5.2. (see GSW (5.134), (5.135)):
S = + 2
in a way to make total transformation preserving light-cone gauge. If light-cone gauge is
preserved it means that space-time superstring action preserves its form (5.44), which is that
for world-sheet action (transition to world-sheet makes a to be vector index of SO(8)). For the
later supersymmetry transformations are local D = 2 supersymmetries, given by BBS (4.11),
(4.12) (we introduce -matrices here to switch chiralities in an appropriate way: we steal deal
with S a but perform transformations with opposite Spin(8) chirality a ). Therefore they are
SUSY transformations of the world-sheet theory:
p

p
X i = iab b S a / p+ .
(5.45)
S a = X i iab b p+ ,
Here -matrices play the role of Clebsh-Gordon coefficients, connecting three representations
of Spin(8) for the aim described above:
b
|ai
= iab
S0 |ii,

b
|ii = iab

S0 |ai.

Generators of (5.45) transformations which are zero-modes of corresponding Noether currents

are
X
1
b
Qa = + iab
Sn
ni .

p
n
Supersymmetry generators satisfy anticommutation relations:

{Qa , Qb } = 2H a b ,
{Qa , Qb } = 2p+ ab ,
{Qa , Qa } = 2iaa pi ,
where

1
((pi )2 + 2N ),
2p+

H=
excitation number operator is
N=

i
i
a
a
(m
m
+ mSm
Sm
).

m=1

The last formula is a consequence of corresponding formula in the R sector of RNS string.
Problem 5.9
(i) Gauge transformation of strength tensor is given by F = [F, ], which leads to
trF F = tr F F + trF F = tr[F, ] F + trF [F, ] =
= b (F a F c )tr([T a , T b ]T c ) + c (F a F b )tr(T a [T b , T c ]) = 0,
as may be shown by using possibility of cyclic permutation inside trace.

39

Then note that due to definition

F = dA + A A
it takes place Bianchi identity
dF F A + A F = 0 .
We can use it to express dF in the following line of calculations:
dtr(F F ) = tr(dF F + F dF ) =
= tr(F A F A F F + F F A F A F ) =
1
= F a F b F c tr([a b , c ]) = dbac F a F b Ac = 0 .
2
The conclusion of equality to zero was drawn from the fact that F a F b is symmetric with
respect to a and b indices permutation, while dbac is antisymmetric.
(ii) First of all note, that trA A A A = 0. Indeed:
tr(A A A A) = Aa Ab Ac Ad tr(a b c d )dx dx dx dx =
= Aa Ab Ac Ad tr(d a b c )dx dx dx dx =
= Ab Ac Ad Aa tr(a b c d )dx dx dx dx ,
where in the last transition weve replaced () () and (abcd) (bcda). The real
value which is equal to negative of itself is zero.
Therefore
trF F = trdA dA + tr(dA A A + A A dA).
(5.46)
From another side

d3 = trdA dA + tr


2
2
2
dA A A A dA A + A A dA .
3
3
3

(5.47)

One can easily calculate

1
trdA A A = ( Aa Aa )Ab Ac tr(a b c )dx dx dx dx ,
2
1
trA dA A = ( Aa Aa )Ab Ac tr(c a b )dx dx dx dx =
2
1
= ( Aa Aa )Ab Ac tr(a b c )dx dx dx dx ,
2
1
trA A dA = ( Aa Aa )Ab Ac tr(b c a )dx dx dx dx =
2
1
= ( Aa Aa )Ab Ac tr(a b c )dx dx dx dx .
2
Using these formulae we can divide middle term in the second trace of r.h.s. of (5.47) by two
and combine each of the resulting sub-terms with first and second terms in that trace. The
40

result is immediately (5.46).

(iii) Theres a general formula for representation of trF F with p + 1 multipliers (being
2(p + 1)-form) as d2p+1 , where Chern-Simons 2p + 1-form is (see GSW (13.3.35)):
Z
2p+1 = (p + 1)

dssp tr A dA + sA2

p

While opening brackets do not permutate multipliers. All products of forms are wedge.
Problem 5.11
(i) From BBS (5.112) it follows the following expression up to terms of fourth order in curvature:
1

A(R)
= 1 + trR2 + . . . .
48
From this formula using BBS (5.116) expression
q

A(R/2) = L(R/4)A(R)
we obtain

1
L(R) = 1 trR2 + . . . .
6
Because of trace is performed over N N matrices of fundamental representation of SO(N ),
then
1
tr cos F = N trF 2 .
2
Using all collected formulae we can obtain the first two order terms of expansion of
q
p
N + 16
1
N 32 1
trF 2 +
trR2 ,
Y =
A(R)tr cos F 16 L(R/4) =
2
2
4
192
from which it follows, that
N + 16
1
trR2 trF 2 .
192
4
(ii) With the help of Chern-Simons forms, applied to gravity gauge theory (with spin connection
gauge field and Lorentz gauge transformations) and Yang-Mills gauge theory (with vectorpotential gauge field and local gauge transformation of it), we will get the following composition:
Y4 =

3F

Y4 = d3 , 3 = 3R + 3F ,




1
2
N + 16
2
= tr A dA + A A A , 3R =
tr d + .
4
3
192
3

In general trF 2 = d3 therefore, because of trF 2 is gauge invariant, 3 should vary on closed
expression. Recalling that A = d + [A, ], one concludes that 3 = tr(d dA), which may
be rewritten as 3 = dtr( dA) (we can transform it to tr(d A) via addition of exact
form). All together:
3 = dG2 ,

41

where
G2 =

N + 16
1
tr( d) tr( dA).
192
4

Problem 5.12
These relations obviously follow from relation
1
1
TreiF = (tr cos F )2 tr cos 2F,
2
2
which is supposed to be proved in the solution of Problem 5.10 for SO(N ). Comparing different
powers of F in r.h.s. and l.h.s. one gets
TrF 2 = (N 2)trF 2 ,
TrF 4 = (N 8)trF 4 + 3(trF 2 )2 ,
TrF 6 = (N 32)trF 6 + 15trF 2 trF 4 ,
which in the case of N = 32 gives
TrF 2 = 30trF 2 ,
TrF 4 = 24trF 4 + 3(trF 2 )2 ,
TrF 6 = 15trF 2 trF 4 ,

Problem 5.13
What we should check is that equation
TrF 6 =

1
1
TrF 2 TrF 4
(TrF 2 )3
48
14400

(5.48)

is satisfied by E8 group, and then due to direct sum decomposition of adjoint representation of
E8 E8 into independent blocks of E8 s this condition will be satisfied by total E8 E8 . For
E8 the following equations take place (see BBS (5.146)):
TrF 4 =

1
(TrF 2 )2 ,
100

TrF 6 =

1
(TrF 2 )3 ,
7200

first of them is proved in the solution of Problem 5.15, and the second must be proved in a
similar manner. Substituting these equations into (5.48) we obviously verify its validity.
Problem 5.14
Lets check whether proposed in the statement of this problem gauge groups satisfy conditions
of cancellation of anomalies. First condition is that the dimension of gauge group should be
496 is obviously satisfied by both of variants. The second condition is (5.48), where F is any
generator of gauge group.
For U (1)496 any generator in adjoint representation is a zero matrix, because the group is
abelian and any multiplication in algebra (which is commutator) will give zero result. Therefore
all traces are zero and condition (5.48) is obviously satisfied.
42

In the case of E8 U (1)248 in fundamental representation theres a decomposition



FE 0
F =
,
0 FU
where FE is a E8 generator and FU is a U (1)248 generator. In adjoint representation it obviously
goes to


adFE 0
adF =
,
0 0
and therefore the traces over any power of U (1)248 part are zero and have no contribution to
the total trace and we can separately study traces over E8 block. Therefore cancellation of
anomalies in this case obviously follows from the cancellation of anomalies for E8 , because
condition (5.48) is satisfied by E8 .
Problem 5.15
The basis of E8 may be constructed out of generators Jij of its SO(16) subgroup and generators
Q , transforming in a positive chirality representation 128 of SO(16):
[Jij , Q ] = (ij ) Q ,
where ij = 41 [i , j ] are generators of SO(16) in chiral spinor representation. Obviously therere
120 generators of SO(16) and 12 216/2 = 128 positive-chirality (half of Spin(16)) generators Q .
In this solution we will focus on proof of first of BBS (5.146) equalities for F being SO(16)
generator. Suppose F = Jij is some element of SO(16) subalgebra. Using commutators of E8
in considered here decomposition we will get the following 248 = 120 + 128 decomposition of
adjoint representation of F :


ad FSO(16) 0
ad F =
,
0
(F )
where F = ij , and ad FSO(16) refer to adjoint representation of F as an element of SO(16),
not the whole E8 . For the last value we may use formulae from solution of Problem 5.12:
2
Tr (adFSO(16) )2 = 14trFSO(16)
= 28,

4
2
Tr (adFSO(16) )4 = 8trFSO(16)
+ 3(trFSO(16)
)2 = 28,

where because of FSO(16) is SO(16) generator Jij in fundamental representation, which has only
two non-zero elements, thus trace of any even power of it is easily calculated.
The part of trace is calculated with the help of equality
I
F2 = ,
4
where I is 128 128 matrix. Using this fact will get expressions for total traces:
1
Tr(adF )2 = 28 TrI = 60,
4

Tr(adF )4 = 28 +

Its obviously that

Tr (adF )4 =

(Tr adF 2 )2
100

is satisfied.
43

1
TrI = 36.
16

T-duality and D-branes

Problem 6.1
Lets proceed to superconformal symmetry from world-sheet (space-time) supersymmetry. Superconformal transformations are supersymmetry transformations, written for fields depending
on complex conformal coordinates z, z. For example, we can write down world-sheet supersymmetry transformations in their superconformal form:
X (z, z) = XL (
z ) + XR (z) =
(
z ) (
z ) (z) (z),
z ) = (
(
(
z )X
z ).

(z) = (z)X (z),

World-sheet RNS strings are equivalent to GS strings with N = 2 space-time supersymmetry.

This means that type-II superstring theories may be formulated either in RNS or GS formalisms.
Here we are going to solve the stated problem in terms of RNS formalizm.
Consider T -duality for superstring in M10 = R8,1 S 1 , i.e. superstring with compactified
ninth dimension.
From superconformal transformations to be symmetry of the model it follows that if XR09 (z) =
XR9 (z) in T -dual theory, then we should also define 09 (z) = 9 (z) in T -dual theory. The
difference between type-IIA and type-IIB RNS superstrings is the relative chirality of R sector
right- and left-movers. If the chiralities are the same, its type-IIB theory. But for R sector
its known that zero modes of expansion of fermionic field form a representation of Clifford
algebra. Therefore reversion 9 (z) 9 (z) also means 9 9 and therefore 11 11 .
The last obviously leads to the change of chiralities for right-moving sector, which obviously
interchanges type-IIA and type-IIB theories.
= 0 /R
As for mass-shell conditions, they are not changed, because T-duality besides R R
also assumes interchange of winding number W and Kaluza-Klein number K. The fermionic
part in number operators NL and NR is not affected by T-duality, while contemplations for
bosonic part are exactly the same as in the case of bosonic string.
Therefore theres a correspondence - T-duality - between spectrum of type-IIA superstrings
with X 9 = XR9 + XL9 compactified on a circle with radius R, and type-IIB superstring with
= 0 /R.
X 09 = XL9 XR9 , compactified on a circle with radius R
Problem 6.2
Consider oriented open string with one coordinate X being compactified on a circle of radius
R and coupled to U (N ) field A by term
hij|Lint |iji = X (hi|A|ii hj|A|ji) .

(6.49)

The idea behind such coupling is that both ends of the string form a representation space for
gauge group U (N ), therefore both ends of this string possess U (N ) charge, and again therefore
of U (N ),
they both interact with field A. But they form conjugate representations N and N
which means that they have U (N ) charges of opposite signs +1 and 1 (and thus transformed
as |ii eiU |ii and |ji eiU |ji). But coupling term is proportional to charge. E.g., Maxwell

field its eXA.

The physical sense is that charges of opposite signs interact with the same
external field by forces of opposite directions. This is exactly what was used for coupling
Lagrangian (6.49).
44

The state of string may be described by vertex operator, which anyway contains a factor
. Total
eiP X . This should be single-valued, which requires Kaluza-Klein quantization P = K
R
momentum P of string in compactified direction is a canonical momentum composed of string
momentum p and shift (for a string in |iji state)
hij|

Lint
|iji = hi|A|ii hj|A|ji
X

(6.50)

1
diag{1 , . . . N }, string momentum in the
due to interaction with external field A. If A = 2R
state |iji is given by
K i j
p=

.
R
2R
Formula BBS (6.38) is a trivial consequence of the last equation.

Problem 6.3
(i) Lets reformulate the problem as follows. Consider now closed string vacuum state. Its
fermionic part is a product of right- and left-moving GS spinors R , L . From the position
of space-time supersymmetry this assumes N = 2 supersymmetry, and corresponding string
theory is called type-II superstring.
Define 11 = 0 9 . As soon as in Majorana representation hermitian conjugation means
a transposing, therefore 0 is antisymmetric, while i are symmetric. It follows also that 11
is symmetric.
Spinors of left- and right-moving sectors are assumed to have definite chirality: its assumed
11 R = R , 11 L = L , where = 1 for type-IIA superstring theory and = 1 for type
IIB theory.
Define a 32 32 matrix F with elements
F = R 0 L .
It follows that
(11 F ) = 11 F = (11 R )0 L = R 0 L = F ,
(F 11 ) = F 11 = R 0 L 11 = R 0 11 L = R 11 0 L =
= R 0 11 L = R 0 L = R 0 L = F .
If we employ an expansion
F =
and identities
11 1 k =
1 k 11 =

10
X
1
F1 k 1 k
k!
k=0

(1)[k/2] 1 10

k+1 10 ,
(10 k)!

(1)[(k+1)/2] 1 10

k+1 10 ,
(10 k)!

45

which may be checked directly on simple examples, we will be able to rewrite derived 11 F =
F, F 11 = F as
(1)[k/2] 1 10
1 k
=

Fk+1 10 ,
(6.51)
F
(10 k)!
F 1 k =

(1)[(k+1)/2]+1 1 10
Fk+1 10 .

(10 k)!

(6.52)

For type IIB theory compatibility of the last two expressions requires odd k-values, while type
IIA theory reqires even k values.
(ii) For odd k values and type-IIB theory or for even k values and type-IIA theory equations
(6.51) and (6.52) are equivalent to each other and has the form of
F 1 k =

(1)[k/2] 1 10
Fk+1 10 .

(10 k)!

Remember that in the theory with flat space-time background (the last is used to substitute

g into a general formula):

(?F )1 k =

1
1 10 Fk+1 10 .
(10 k)!

Comparing this formulae we conclude that

(?F )k = (1)[k/2] F10k .
From this equation it follows that we must consider only field strength tensors with rank k < 6,
because higher ranks are expressible through them via Poincare duality. Tensor F5 is dual to
itself. (iii) The calculation of number of independent degrees of freedom in different type string
theories gives:
10 9 10 9 8 7
IIA : 1 +
+
= 256,
(6.53)
2!
4!
10 9 8 10 9 8 7 6
IIB : 10 +
+
= 256,
(6.54)
3!
2 5!
where weve divided by 2 in the r.h.s. of the last equation, because in difference with the cases
of other forms, the form F(5) is restricted by a condition of self-duality - analog of real-value
condition on number - which follows from preceding point of this solution. The number 256
is equal to the number of independent product results of two Majorana-Weyl spinors in ten
dimensions. But obviously this relates to GS superstrings only before -gauge (light cone gauge choice). Remember, that without gauging away half of MW fermions with the help of
-symmetry (i.e. without -gauge) the number of fermionic degrees of freedom is incorrect even
from the point of view of equality of total numbers of fermionic and bosonic degrees of freedom.
Problem 6.4
To solve this problem one needs the following identities, which may be verified directly on
simple examples:
1
1 k = 1 k
[1 2 k ] ,
(6.55)
(k 1)!
46

1 k = 1 k

1
[k 1 k1 ]
(k 1)!

(6.56)

The matrix field F introduced in the solution of previous problem, is composed appropriately
out off Dirac massless spinors, and therefore satisfy massless Dirac equation:
p F = F p = 0,
from which with the help of identities (6.55) and (6.56) one can get
10
10
X
X
1
1
1 k
p F = p
p
F1 k
F1 k [1 2 k ] = 0,
k!
k!(k 1)!
k=0
k=0

(6.57)

10
10
X
X
1
1
1 k
F p = p
F1 k
p
F1 k [k 1 k1 ] = 0.
k!
k!(k 1)!
k=0
k=0

(6.58)

From (6.58) one can easily go to

10
10
X
X
1
1
k
1 k
p F = p
+ p
(1) F1 k
(1)k F1 k [1 2 k ] = 0. (6.59)
k!
k!(k 1)!
k=0
k=0

As soon as all k values are either odd or even, then we can cancel (1)k multiplier. If we dont
concretize type-IIA or type-IIB theory we deal with, then we still write summation over all
k, keeping in mind all features of such notation which we have covered above. Adding and
subtracting (6.57) and (6.59) one can achieve
10
X
1
p
F1 k 1 k = 0,
k!
k=0

10
X
k=0

1
F [1 2 k ] = 0,
k!(k 1)! 1 k

which may be rewritten as

10
X
k=0
10
X
k=0

1
p[ F1 k ] 1 k = 0,
(k 1)!
1
p1 F1 k 2 k = 0.
2
((k 1)!)

In the second equality we took index 1 out of explicit antisymmetrization (its still implicitly antisymmetrized with other indices due to contraction of the whole construction with F components), which added factor k corresponding to the number of different positions of this
index. Due to independence of terms being elements of Clifford algebra Cl9,1 one goes to
p[ F1 k ] = 0,
p1 F1 k = 0.
47

These equations may be rewritten in coordinate repesentation which has the form stated in the
condition of the problem.
In the point (ii) in the solution of Problem 6.3 we have figured out that Fn = ? F10n . As
soon as field equations and Bianchi identities may be rewritten in differential form notation as
d ? Fn = 0,

dFn = 0,

and due to ?? = 1, then we have correspondingly

dF10n = 0,

d ? Fn = 0.

Problem 6.5
For shortness of notation define Lagrangian in BBS (6.94) through the expression (without
dilation term BBS (6.93)):
Z
0
4 S = d2 L,
which will lead to

L
9,
= X
( V )

L
= 2g99 hh V 2g9 hh X + B9 X ,
V

(6.60)
(6.61)

which is to be used for Lagrange equations for field V .

Theres a subtlety in this problem which
of
should be underlined. For the construction
2

action we should use invariant measure d h on world-sheet. Butwe can use -symbols
(they are not tensors, by the way, on curved world-sheet) instead of h. The thing is that
R

E = h is a tensor, and therefore we may contemplate in the following way: d2 =

R 2
d hE . The later integral is built of invariant measure d2 h and tensor product
E . Both values are invariants and the action is thus invariant too.
The second subtlety is that while we can use metric tensor to lower indices of E tensor,
we cant do the same with non-tensor value . Therefore we cant say that E is given by

. We cant say, e.g., that X X is equal to X X. We must do it the

h
following way:

X X = hE X X = hE X X.

We also know how antisymmetric tensor with lower indices looks like: E = h .
Using formulae (6.60) and (6.61) for Lagrange equation on V -field we will get:
E 9 g9 E
V =
X
X +
B9 X .
2g99
g99
2g99

What is rest is to substitute this formula inside the action BBS (6.94), paying attention on
noted above, and get an answer:
g99 =

1
,
g99

g9 =

B9
,
g99

g = g +
48

B9 B9 g9 g9
,
g99

9 = g9 ,
B
g99

= B + g9 B9 B9 g9 .
B
g99

Problem 6.6
First we are going to explore representation of delta-function in spherical symmetric case.
Poisson equation for unit charge with potential = 1r looks like
1
= 4,
r
where

d3 x = 4

drr2 (r) = 1 is a total charge. Therefore we conclude that

(r) =

(r)
,
4r2

hence

1
(r) = r2 .
r
Due to the fact that spherical symmetric Laplacian acts as f (r) =
formal generalized function representation

r2 r

(r2 r f (r)) we obtain

(r) = r 1.
The representation of delta function constructed here is useful for expression for current j =
u .
Total action is given by
S = SBI + SP ,
where Born-Infeld action is (in the spherical symmetric case after explicit integration over
angular coordinates, constant k12 with k = 20 is introduced to make action dimensionless)


Z
q
4
2
d drr 1 det( + kF ) ,
(6.62)
SBI = 2
k
and particle action looks like
Z
SP =

d drA j .

(6.63)

We consider the case of particle in its rest frame at coordinate x = 0, thus 4-velocity is equal
to u = (1, 0, 0, 0) and current is given by j = e(r)u , which will reduce SP to its more
familiar form
Z
SP = e d u A .
For our purposes more appropriate form of action is (6.63), because together with (6.62) it allows
to write (, r) Lagrangian density L. We search for Coulomb potential A = ((r), 0, 0, 0) with
the sole independent non-zero component of field strength Ftr = 0 (r). Lagrangian density is
then equal to

p
4r2 
L = 2 1 1 k 2 (0 )2 + e(r)(r).
k
49

Lagrange equation obviously gives us

4r

r2 0
p
1 k 2 (0 )2

!
= e(r),

using -function representation constructed above we proceed to (use also Er = 0 (r)):

r2 Er
p
= e,
1 k 2 Er2
from which it follows the solution

e
Er = p
,
r4 + r04

with r02 = ek (remember that charge is dimensionless and [k] = [0 ] = 2[L]).

We may use Noether theorem to construct T 00 component of energy-momentum tensor for
2
2
field part of the action (i.e. for Born-Infeld part). Here its T 00 = LBI = 2 4r 2 2 4r
k2
k

1k Er

(because all time derivatives are zero and theres no momentum which would take part in
formula for T 00 ), which is a density of energy in coordinate
r, and
this is given by
R
R on-shell
2
4r4
4r2
4r4
00

T 00 = 2

.
Total
energy
is
therefore

=
drT
=
dr(
4r
). The
4
4
k2
k2
4
2
4
k

r +r0

r +r0

1
r2

value of integrand is finite when r 0 in difference with divergent in Maxwell theory and
has asymptotic behavior r12 as r , therefore integral is convergent.
Problem 6.7
(i) Lagrangian density is given by
L = TDp

det H = TDp H,

with H = G + kb + kF = G + kF . One can easily find

L
L F
L F
k
=
=k
= TDp HH ( ) = kTDp HH ,
( A )
F ( A )
H ( A )
2
which is to be used for construction of gauge field equations of motion:

( HH ) = 0.
(ii)
In the solution of Exercise 6.9 (page 243) its found that the main Lagrangian constituent
H is expanded as



k2

4
H = G 1 + F F + O(k ) .
4
The value of G is k-independent, therefore in the leading order of k we obtain the following
equation, correcting Maxwell:

k2
( GH ) + ( GF 2 G ) = 0.
4
Problem 6.9
(i) Type-I theory is constructed as orientifold projection of type-IIA superstring. Presence of
50

D8-branes assumes performed duality in X 9 direction (starting from all-Neumann string) and
therefore compactification of this direction. If R is radius of compactification (in Neumannboundary open string theory), then in the T-dual theory D8 branes emerges perpendicular to
9 , where compactification radius of later is R
= 0 /R.
X
Orientifold projection may be interpreted with the help of introducing of orientifold planes.
Here orientifold 8-planes (8 for 8 non-compact spatial dimensions) are located at singular points
= 0, R
of BBS (6.83) orbifolding.
X
L = L R
and X
R = R R
(N1 and N2 = 16 N1
If D-branes are located at some points X
interval, then gauge symmetry is broken to U (N1 )U (16N1 ).
branes) in the interior of (0, R)
= 0, then they give unbroken SO(2N1 ) U (1)
If L = 0, i.e. N1 D8-branes are located at X
= R,
then they give unbroken
gauge group. If R = , i.e. N2 D8-branes are located at X
SO(2N2 )U (1) gauge group. Gauge symmetry in the first-non-second case is SO(2N1 )U (1)

U (16 N1 ), in the second-non-first case is U (N1 ) SO(32 2N1 ) U (1). If L = 0, R = R,

2
then gauge symmetry is maximal: SO(2N1 ) SO(32 2N1 ) U (1) .
0
and gauge group SO(16)
(ii) According to previous point this is the case of L0 = 0, R
= R
U (1) SO(16) U (1).
Problem 6.11
(i) We are to determine variation of 2-form
A dA ),
1 d1
2 d2 )(dX 1
b = (
2
where wedge product is assuemd implicitly, under supersymmetry transformations:
A = A ,

X = A A .

This is a straightforward task. What is important is that due to the actual presence of wedge
product between differentials (basic Grassmann 1-forms), the values of the type 1 d1 and
2 d2 anticommute, being in wedge product. With respect to this feature we will result in

1 d1 + 2 d2
2 d2 .
b = d((
1 d1 2 d2 )X ) 1 d1
The last two tems vanish, because they are of the type, described in Problem 5.7. Therefore
b = d,
where
= (
2 d2 1 d1 )X .
(ii) Requiring the value of 2-form F = F + b to be supersymmetric, where F = dA, one obtains
the following law for A-field transformation (up to an exact form, i.e. gauge transformation):
A = .

Problem 6.12
Define tensor components:
G = g + B + k 2 i i + kF
51

and its determinant G, which is obtained by pullback of NS-NS background fields g , B

and Maxwell field F to the world-volume of Dp-brane. Obviously then gauge variation (BBS
(6.130) with appropriate variation of Maxwell field) of DBI action is given by
Z
Z

TDp
TDp

p+1
0
SDp =
GG G =
d e
dp+1 e0 GG (B + kF ).
2
2
If we require it to be zero, i.e. we require gauge invariance of the action, then we must require
B + kF = (B + kF ) X X = 0,
which in differential form notation for B = d assumes F = k1 d, therefore A = k1 .
Problem 6.13
(i) We are going to exploit general formula of DBI D-brane static action
Z

SDp = TDp dp+1 G

with G being determinant of tensor matrix with elements
G = + k 2 i i + kF .
Here p = 3, we choose coordinates t, r, , (we dont need to insert Jacobian factor for this
coordinates because of tensor determinant is present, and its written in the same coordinates
as the measure dp+1 ), theres only one non-zero scalar field (r) and only one Maxwell field
component At (r). Therefore
#
" 1
kA0 (r)
G =

kA0t (r)
0
0

1+k2 (0 (r))2
0
0

0
0
1
0

0
0
0
1

From this we can easily figure out determinant G and the whole action
Z
p
SD3 = TD3 dtdrdd 1 + k 2 (0 (r))2 k 2 (A0t (r))2 .

(6.64)

(ii) Free (we dont consider coupling of D3-brane to gauge fields) equations of motion which
obviously follow from action (6.64) are
!
!
A0t
0
r p
= 0, r p
= 0.
1 + k 2 02 k 2 A02
1 + k 2 02 k 2 A02
t
t
Integration of this system of differential equations will give free solution with no sources:
At = C1 r + At (0),

(r) = C2 r + (0).

(iii) If theres an electric charge at the origin, then our way of solution should be similar to
that in the solution of Problem 6.6. We add Lagrangian describing coupling of point particle
52

at rest at the origin to Maxwell field F and use -function representation, employed there. All
this will lead us to the following equations of motion
!
0
A0t

p
p
= 0,
= e.
r
1 + k 2 02 k 2 A02
1 + k 2 02 k 2 A02
t
t
Here e is dimensionless charge times l12 - to enable dimension of r.h.s. equals to dimension
s
of l.h.s. The first equation may be integrated as in the previous point (C is a constant):
0
1
p
=
02
C
1 + k 2 02 k 2 At
This obviously gives us
1 k 2 A02
t
,
(6.65)
C 2 k2
which is to be substituted into equation for At . This will give some constant value for A0t and
hence some constant value for 0 . The type of solution is therefore the same as described at
the end of previous point - linear dependence.
To evaluate the range of distances r for which DBI approximation works note that the
reason why it cant work is that (according to BBS (6.115)) tension of D3-brane is given by
02 =

TD3 =

1
,
gs (2)3 02

which depicts a divergent growth as gs 0. Therefore we must restrict gs - closed string

coupling - that is restrict maximal energy of interaction, or restrict minimal distance r between
interacting objects (not just some abstract r). If E is the value of energy cut-off, then E1 is a
value of distance cut-off. The interpretation of this formula is that if we use DBI approximation
it means, that we cant describe space sharper than E1 .
Problem 6.14
(i) Tensor matrix elements in this case are:
"
G =

1
0
0
0

0
1+k2 (0 (r))2
0
0

0
0
1
A

0
0
A
1

Therefore action is
Z
SD3 = TD3

dtdrdd

q
(1 + k 2 (0 )2 )(1 + ( A )2 ).

(ii) Free equations of motion are

A
p
(1 + k 2 (0 )2 )(1 + ( A )2 )

!
= 0,

0
p
(1 + k 2 (0 )2 )(1 + ( A )2 )

!
= 0.

We can denote U = A and V = 0 , use equations of motion to find ratio U/V and U, V
themselves.

53

Problem 6.15
Potential

if
1
V () = Tr([i , j ][i , j ]) ijk Tr(i j k ).
4
3
is extremal under condition
[[i , j ], j ] + if ijk [j , k ] = 0.

This is solved for SU (2) group by letting i =

of SU (2). If its irreducible, then

f i
,
2

where i is N-dimensional representation

1
Tr(i j ) = N (N 2 1) ij .
3
Using this formula one computes the value of V () for i =
V () =

f i
:
2

f4
f4
Tr(k k ) = N 2 (N 2 1).
24
72

For reducible representation N = M + K, or r = r1 r2 one has

Trr1 r2 (i j ) = Trr1 (i j ) + Trr2 (i j ),
and therefore
Tr(i j ) =

1
M (M 2 1) + K(K 2 1) ij .
3

Thus

f4
f4
k k
V () = Tr( ) =
M 2 (M 2 1) + K 2 (K 2 1) .
24
72
This is higher by its absolute value than that in the case of irreducible representation.
Fuzzy sphere is given by equation
X
h(X i )2 i = R2 ,
i

where

1
(20 )2 Tr[(i )2 ],
N2
and therefore radius of fuzzy sphere in this case is
h(X i )2 i =

R2 =

M 2 (M 2 1) + K 2 (K 2 1)
(0 f )2 .
3N 2

Heterotic string

Problem 7.2
Compactification of 26d bosonic string theory in this problem is performed by replacement of
16 spatial bosonic coordinates by 32 Majorana fermions. This procedure will preserve the value
54

of bosonic string central charge and wont lead to conformal anomaly. The action
26 = 10 + 32
2
of such a theory is built in a manner of world-sheet supersymmetric action, despite now, of
course, theres no susy here: the number of introduced fermions do not coincide with the number
of survived bosons, which prevents possibility of writing world-sheet susy transformations.
Fermions form a representation space of SO(32), and because of in conformal notation the
action looks like


Z
1 A A 1 A A
1
2

S=
d z 2X X + + ,
2
2
2
theres actually a symmetry SO(32)L SO(32)R , transforming left- and right-moving (holomorphic and antiholomorphic) fermions independently. Consider, e.g., how action is transformed
a
A = 0:
under A = a TAB
B ,
Z


1
a
A A (
a )T a B + a T a A
B .
S = Sf =
d2 z a TAB
B
AB
AB
4
A = 0. From
Now if we go on-shell, we employ holomorphic property of fermionic field A :
the other side variation of action is equal to
Z
1
a )J a (z),
d2 z(
S =
2
where weve chosen convenient normalization of Noether current. As a result we conclude that
1 a A
(z)B (z).
J a (z) = TAB
2
Similar arguments lead to the same expression for SO(32) Noether current for symmetry realA.
ized on antiholomorphic fermions
It may be easily verified (see solution to Ex. 7.1), that if [T a , T b ] = 2if abc T c , then Noether
currents satisfy OPE for Kac-Moody (current) algebra with level k = 1:
J a (z)J b (w) =

ab
f abc c
+
i
J (w) + . . . .
2(z w)2
zw

dimSO(32)
Note, that central charge is c = k k+(322)
= 16, as it should be.
We have the following well-known bosonic string mass formulae (0 = 12 ):
open string: 12 M 2 = N a;
closed string: 18 M 2 = NR a = NL a.
We may choose either periodic (P) boundary conditions for fermions of closed string, which
A |= open string boundary condition. Or we may choose antiperiodic
corresponds to A |= =
A |=
(A) closed string boundary conditions for fermions and boundary condition A |= =
for open string. Zero point energies in these cases are:

aP =

8
32

= 1,
24 24

aA =

8
32
+
= 1.
24 24

Number operators are:

P
i
i
A
A
open string, P: N =
n=1 (n n + nn n ),
55

open string, A: N =

n=1

i
n
ni +

r=1/2

A
rA
r r ,

P
i
A
A
A

ni + n
NL =
n
+ nA
n n ),
n n ),
n=1 (
P
P
P i i P
i
i
A A
A
A
closed string, A: NR =

+
r

,
N
=
n
n + r=1/2 r
L
n
n
r
r
r r .
n=1
r=1/2
n=1
closed string, P: NR =

i
i
n=1 (n n

Summarize results for opens strings:

P :

A:

1 2 X i i
A
M =
(n n + nA
n n ) + 1,
2
n=1

X
1 2 X i i
A
M =
n n +
rA
r r 1,
2
n=1
r=1/2

and for closed strings:

P :

A:

X
1 2 X i i
A
i
A
A
M =
(n n + nA

)
+
1
=
(
n

ni + n
n n
n n ) + 1,
8
n=1
n=1

X
X
X
1 2 X i i
A A
i
i
A
A
M =
n n +
rr r 1 =

n
n +
r
r r 1.
8
n=1
n=1
r=1/2

r=1/2

These formulae allow us to see that therere tachyonic ground state in the case of A open and
closed strings. Usual destination of GSO is to eliminate tachyons and enable supersymmetry.
Here we have a bosonic compactified theory, and do not require any SUSY. But according to
requirement of the problem we may impose the same GSO projection as in the left-moving
part of SO(32) heterotic string. Namely, in A sector of the theory we eliminate all states
with P
an odd number of excitations, i.e. we save only positive-valued eigenstates of operator
A
A
(1) r r r . As a result we will eliminate tachyonic vacuum |0; ki with mass M 2 = 2 for
open string and M 2 = 8 for left- and right-movers of closed string. First excited level after
projection is massless. For open string its spanned by states
i
1
|0; ki,

A
A
1/2 1/2 |0; ki,

for closed string its spanned by states

j
i
1

1
|0; ki,

i A
B |0; ki,
1
1/2
1/2

B
i
A
1
|0; ki,
1/2 1/2

B
C D
A
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 |0; ki.

In P sector define GSO projection (again, in a manner of that in heterotic string) as (1)F =
1 with
P
0 (1) n An An ,
(1)F =
where
0 = 1 0 0 .

0 2
32
This projection will reduce by factor two the number of ground states on each level by projecting
them onto states with correspondingly fixed chirality. More concrete, in P sector ground state
forms reducible representation of Spin(32) algebra, which is projected to irreducible fixed 0 . Therefore vacuum state |ai of open
chirality representation with the help of 5 -analog
56

string has 215 states of the mass M 2 = 2, and vacuum state |ai|ai of closed string has 230 states
of the mass M 2 = 8. First excited level has opposite chirality to that of vacuum. For open
string its spanned by M 2 = 4 states

A
1 |ai,

i
|ai,

for closed string its spanned by M 2 = 16 states

j
i
1

1
|ai,

i A
1
1 |ai,

i
A
1
|ai,

B
A
1 1 |ai.

Problem 7.3
, which also gives the
(i) The dimension of adjoint representation of SO(n) is equal to n(n1)
2
number of free fermions, which are transformed in this adjoint representation. Central charge of
corresponding energy-momentum tensor is equal to half of the number of fermions or c = n(n1)
.
4
Substituting this value into the formula
c=
with dimG = dimSO(n) =

n(n1)
2

kdimG
G
k+h

G = n 2 one easily gets

and h
k = n 2.

(ii) In spinor representation of SO(16) one has 216 fermions of Spin(16), and corresponding
central charge is equal to 215 . Therefore
k=

14
.
240 216 1

Problem 7.4
In the bosonic construction of heterotic string we must first compactify 16 left-movers on
T 16 and then, if we want to, additionally compactify n coordinates from left-movers and n
coordinates from right-movers. As a result we will stay with non-compactified d = 10 n
space-time, where therere left-movers and right-movers of bosonic world-sheet fields X , and
all of initial right-movers a , unaffected by compactification, because we compactify bosonic
space-time, not superspace Grassmann coordinates a .
When both left- and right-movers are compactified, which is supposed to be the case in n
-component metric,
directions, we may describe geometry of compactifying torus T n by n(n+1)
2
and accompany this with antisymmetric constant background field with n(n1)
components.
2
Together we obtain n2 degrees of freedom. In addition therere 16 gauge Kaluza-Klein fields,
arising from gauge symmetry U (1)16 , corresponding to translations of compactified 16 additional
left-moving coordinates. These Kaluza-Klein gauge fields have their components in n compactified directions of both left- and right-movers. Why only there? Because in flat d = 10 n
directions of uncompactified space-time therere no background fields, from which gauge KK
field can originate (as in KK theory: G25 : here this metric component is equal to zero, if
is one of d flat (see for example of bosonic string formula BBS (7.50)) coordinates). Instead,
57

there are background G-field components in n directions, which can attach to one of 16 purely
left-moving gauge degrees of freedom (compact directions). Therefore one has n2 + 16n degrees
of freedom of background and KK gauge fields, originating from toroidal compactification in
bosonic description of heterotic string. This coincides with the number of coordinates of the
coset space
O(16 + n, n, R)
.
M016+n,n =
O(16 + n, R) O(n, R)
Any lattice of momentums in compactified directions (compact space is also described by values
of background fields G, B, A) which in our case has the signature (16 + n, n), may be obtained
from some given lattice by O(16 + n, n, R) group action. We are interested in values of G, B, A
background fields, not in values of momentums. Therefore we factorize over momentum characteristic classes: momentums of left-movers and right-movers are left invariant under O(16 + n)
and O(n) groups independently. Therefore coset space M016+n,n is a space of G, B, A values. It
has dimension
dimM016+n,n =

1
((16 + 2n)(15 + 2n) (16 + n)(15 + n) n(n 1)) = n(n + 16),
2

which coincides with result obtained above by counting degrees of freedom of G, B, A fields.
Finally we have to impose equivalence, originating from T-duality O(16 + n, n, Z) gauge group:
M16+n,n =

O(16 + n, n, R)
.
O(16 + n, R) O(n, R) O(16 + n, n, Z)

Problem 7.5
We are going to start with reconsideration of GSO-type projection rules for different sectors
of heterotic string. We will base on fermionic construction of heterotic string with left-moving
fermions divided into two groups of equal number of fermions. Denote projector operator as
the product of three independent projectors: (1)R (1)F1 (1)F2 , where (1)R stands
for the right-moving sector, (1)F1 is for the first 16 A oscillators, and (1)F2 is for the next
16 ones. Notice, that we use GSO projection in the right-moving sector because we are going
to deal with RNS approach to superstrings, not with GS theory. The reason is due to the
formulation of the problem - we are to built non-supersymmetric theory, but GS superstring is
initially constructed as supersymmetric.
Remember, that for NS sector an original GSO was to keep negative (1)2N states (where
N is number operator for b-oscillators), and for R sector it was keeping states with positive
c-chirality for even number of oscillator excitations, and negative s-chirality for odd number of
excitations. Reversing GSO condition for right-moving R-states means reversing of chirality of
that state. Lets make the following changes in some of the sectors:
(R, A, A),

(N S, P, P ) change (1)F1 (1)F2

This will transform states with right-moving R states and left-moving antiperiodic fermions
to that with odd number of excitations in each of A, A left-moving sectors (originally it was
even number of excitations due to heterotic prescription of GSO-projection); states with rightmoving NS sector will be transformed into that with opposite chirality of both of fermions in
left-moving sectors P, P .
58

Other changes of GSO rules are (FR stands for GSO operator for roght-moving sector, either
R or NS type):
(R, P, A), (N S, A, P ) change (1)FR (1)F1 ,
(R, A, P ),

(N S, P, A) change (1)FR (1)F2 .

By a
we will assume zero-point energy of left-movers, which for four possible combinations
AA, P P, AP, P A is equal to 1, 1, 0, 0 respectively. That assumes the following mass formulae
for left-movers and for fermionic and bosonic cases of R right-movers and NS right-movers
respectively:
1 2
a
M = NR = N
,
8
1 2
1
a
M = NN S = N
.
8
2
Then it obviously follows, therere no tachyons in spectrum. Indeed, right-movers and leftmovers always should have the same mass, which is assumed explicitly in formulae above, and
number of states cant be negative, but can be half-integer (for non-projected out antiperiodic
NS and A cases) which means, that the only possibility for tachyons is when a
= 1 (which
= 1 . To satisfy
requires AA left-moving configuration), NN S = 0 and correspondingly N
2
all these conditions, one should change GSO projection rules of E8 E8 heterotic string for
N S, A, A sectors combination. But this is not done in our consideration. Therefore tachyonic
absence remains.
As for massless states, all cases according to mass formulae are possible (treated bellow),
= 0. Indeed, that would assume a
= 0 and therefore AP, P A cases for
except NN S = 12 , N
left-movers. But (N S, P, A) and (N S, A, P ) are subject of change, namely NS right-moving
sector GSO condition is opposite now to that of E8 E8 heterotic string, which means, that
NN S is integer-valued now. Only this change alone obviously makes it impossible to satisfy
zero-mass equation, but one can notice, that change of A left-moving sector projection makes
half-integer, which also contradicts to zero-mass equation.
N
= 1; (R, A, P ) and (R, P, A) with
Possible massless states are (R, A, A) with NR = 0, N
= 1.
= 0 and s chiralities of R and P sector fermions; (N S, A, A) with NN S = 1 , N
NR = 0, N
2
Lets study spinor content for massless spectrum. First, consider (R, A, A) with NR =
which makes it impossible to construct
= 1 with necessary odd number of and ,
0, N
i
A
left-moving state with the help of
1 operator. The left-moving part is A
1/2 1/2 |0iL , where
tilde above lambda means that this is oscillator from the set A = 17, . . . 32 (which shouldnt
be mixed with tilde above N, because the later refers to the whole left-moving sector: the sum
of states in both left-moving subsectors). Correspondingly, representation of Lorentz group
and SO(16) SO(16) gauge group is (8c , 16, 16). Here 16 stands for representation of SO(16)
gauge symmetry, under which right-moving sector of heterotic string is singlet, and 8c stands for
Lorentz group representation, under which A excitations are singlets. Such a short notation,
which combines in one triplet features of both gauge group and Lorentz group representations,
is convenient due to the fact, that it occurs, that among fermionic massless states, right-movers
and left movers are either transformed under Lorentz group and behave as gauge group singlets,
or vice versa. In the case of bosonic massless states this is not so, and notation is a little more
complicated.
= 0.
Therere also spinors from sectors (R, A, P ) (R, P, A) for the case of NR = 0, N
They form a Lorentz group representation of the type (8s , 1, 128s ) (8s , 128s , 1). Singlet
59

 = 0, which leads to left-moving A state to be

denotation 1 has its origin in the condition N
|0iL . Also a vitally important note here is that in the notation 128s for left-movers we mean
spinor representation of gauge group SO(16) (one of the two, while the other left-moving sector
is singlet under the second SO(16), as pointed above). It is chiral Spin(16), and of course its
Lorentz singlet. Spinor here - is gauge spinor, not space-time spinor.
Lets turn to bosonic massless states. Now we have to write separate triplets (for LorentzSO(16)
SO(16) group representation) for right-movers and left-movers. The sole massless bosonic state
= 1. Here GSO projections are the same, as in the case of
is (N S, A, A) with NN S = 21 , N
E8 E8 heterotic string. Obviously, right-moving states are (8v , 1, 1), which means being
space-time vector under Lorentz transformations and singlet under gauge group transforma A oscillators should be even. Possible variants
tions. According to GSO, the number of A and
i
are 0 and 2, where if both are 0, then left-moving state is constructed with the help of
1
oscillator. Summarizing all these facts, we will get the following representation content of
right-left-movers:
(8v , 1, 1)R [(8v , 1, 1) + (1, 120, 1) + (1, 1, 120)]L .

(7.66)

B
Here 120 is dimension of adjoint representation of SO(16), which transforms A
1/2 1/2 |0iL
B
(or A
1/2 1/2 |0iL ) from one of A sectors of left-movers, while the second SO(16) transforms
vacuum state of another A left-moving sector in a singlet way. Why representation of SO(16)
B
is namely adjoint? The answer is the standard one: because A
1/2 1/2 |0iL is the product of
two vector representations of SO(16), which is adjoint 120 representation.
Observe, that while second and third terms after square brackets opening in (7.66) give
Yang-Mills fields, first terms gives gravity multiplet: 8v 8v = 28 + 35 + 1 - antisymmetric
field, dilaton and graviton, being singlets of gauge group. At the same time we didnt obtain
gravitino from fermionic massless states.

Problem 7.6
According to Adler-Bardeen theorem anomalies arise in one-loop diagrams with chiral fermion
(for gravitational anomalies) and chiral boson (for Yang-Mills anomalies) going around the
loop. Chiral massless fields in SO(16) SO(16) heterotic string are Majorana-Weyl fermions,
constructed in the previous problem:
(8c , 16, 16),

(8s , 1, 128s ),

(8s , 128s , 1).

As its noted on the pages 174-175 BBS left-handed and right-handed fermions contribute
anomalous forms with opposite signs. Here we have spin- 21 fields 8c , 8s of opposite chirality,
contributing forms I1/2 (R) of gravitational anomalies. Therefore total anomaly is proportional
to the 12-form part of
I1/2 (F, R) = I1/2 (R)tr1616 cos F I1/2 (R)tr1281 cos F I1/2 (R)tr1128 cos F.

(7.67)

The subscripts here denote representation of SO(16) SO(16), in which matrix of two-forms
F (that is matrix-represented generators of gauge group, contracted with gauge fields by index
of adjoint representation) is written. Pure gravitational anomaly I1/2 (R) is a term of total
2
(7.67), coming from zero-order expansion of cos F = 1 F2 + . It obviously cancels, because
16 16 128 128 = 0. Therefore equality of numbers of fermions of both chiralities leads to
60

cancellation of gravitational anomaly. Of course the theory is still chiral (chirality assymetric),
because different chirality states belong to different representation of gauge group. Defining
Tr cos F = tr1616 cos F tr1281 cos F tr1128 cos F

(7.68)

we can represent anomaly form as

I1/2 (F, R) = I1/2 (R)Tr cos F.
Anomalies are 12-form part of I1/2 (F, R). We know that gravitational part has an expansion
I1/2 (R) = 1 +

1
1
1
trR2 +
trR4 +
(trR2 )2 + ,
48
32 480
72 64

which together with expansion of cos F gives a 12-form anomaly:



1
1
1
1
1
2
4
2 2
TrF
trR +
(trR ) +
TrF 4 trR2
TrF 6 .
2
32 480
72 64
24 48
15 48
Here and later tr without index means trace of matrix in fundamental representation. Using
indices 1 and 2 to refer to the first and second SO(16), we will be able to write formulae:
tr1616 F 2 = 16trF12 + 16trF22 ;
tr1281 F 2 = 16trF12 ;
tr1128 F 2 = 16trF22 .
Using this formulae observe that according to (7.68) one has
TrF 2 = tr1616 F 2 tr1281 F 2 tr1128 F 2 = 0,
which reduces anomaly form to
1
1
TrF 4 trR2
TrF 6 .
24 48
15 48
According to GSW (13.5.4):

1
1
TrF 6 =
(trF12 )3 + (trF22 )3 (trF12 + trF22 )(trF14 + trF24 );
15
4

1
1
TrF 4 =
(trF12 )2 + (trF22 )2 trF12 trF22 trF14 trF24 .
24
4
These formulae may be used to rewrite anomaly 12-form as


1
X8 trR2 trF12 trF22 ,
48
where X8 =

1
TrF 4 .
24

Problem 7.7
Heterotic string in this problem is studied in the fermionic formulation.
61

Consider SO(32) heterotic string after GSO-type projection (imposed on its left-moving
part). We are going to study first excited state with M 2 = 8, which is number operators
eigenstate with eigenvalues
NR = 1,

NL (A) = 2,

NL (P ) = 0.

Right-moving states (constructed in space-time supersymmetric GS formalism) are:

i
|ji,
1
i
1
|ai,

i
|ji 128 bosons;
S1
i
S1
|ai
128 fermions.

Left-moving states are

j
i
i
B
C
D
A
B
i
B
A:
1

1
|0i,
2
|0i, A
1
A
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 |0i, 1/2 3/2 |0i,
1/2 1/2 |0i 40996 bosons;

P : |ai
215 = 32768 fermions.
B
Note, that the number of A
1/2 3/2 |0i states is 3232, because this state is constructed with the
help of different rising operators. Because numbers of fermions and bosons in the right-moving
sector coincide, the total number of bosonic and fermionic leftright tensor product states
coincide too. Total number of bosons and fermions is equal to (40996+32768)256 = 18883584.
Consider now E8 E8 heterotic string theory with GSO-type projection imposed separately
A , while
on both parts of left-moving sector. We are going to define A with A = 17, . . . , 32 as
saving denotation for others th. In the form, e.g. AP , its assumed that A stands for first 16
-modes,and P is for the rest ones. Right-moving sector is exactly the same as in the case of
SO(32) heterotic string. Therefore here we are going to study left-moving sector. On the first
excitation level number operators are equal to:

NL (AA) = 2,

NL (AP ) = NL (P A) = 1,

NL (P P ) = 0.

In the case of AP and P A sectors we will denote ground state by |0; ai and |a; 0i correspondingly, where actually a index may be dotted, which will depict conjugate (oppposite chirality)
irreducible representation of Spin(16). Due to GSO-type projection, ground state spinors are
denoted with dotted indices, if its applied an even number of -operators to this ground state
to get an excited state. Contrarily, if the number of raising operators is odd, then ground state
has opposite chirality, which is denoted by undotted index.
The demonstration of this rule is immediate on AP , P A, P P secotrs:
i
B
A |0; ai 18432 fermions;
AP :
1
|0; ai,
A

1/2 1/2 |0; ai,
1
i
A
B
PA :
1
|a;
0i,
0i, A
1/2 1/2 |a;
1 |a; 0i 18432 fermions;

16384 bosons.
P P : |a bi
These states should be accompanied with AA bosonic sector states:
j
i
i
B
C
D
A
B
i
B
AA :
1

1
|0i,
2
|0i, A
1
A
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 |0i, 1/2 3/2 |0i,
1/2 1/2 |0i,
i A
C
D
A
B C D
A B
B |0i,
A
B

1
1/2
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 |0i, 1/2 3/2 |0i,
1/2
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 |0i,

62

20516 bosons.

Altogether, therere 36900 bosons and 36884 fermions. Total number of states is 73764 - as in
the case of SO(32) heterotic string. Note, that therere more fermions, but less bosons, despite
the sum of states is the same. And again, these states are to be tensored with supersymmetric
right-moving sector.
Problem 7.8
(i) It holds ei ej = 2ij , which means, that condition e?i ej = ij on basis vectors of dual lattice
are satisfied by vectors e?1 = 12 (1, 1) = 12 e1 and e?2 = 12 (1, 1) = 12 e2 . Lattice is then not selfdual. Metric tensor is gij = diag{2, 2}, therefore lattice is not unimodular: g = det ||gij || = 4.
For any two vectors v = me1 + ne2 and w = pe1 + qe2 one has v w = pm + nq, which is integer,
therefore lattice is integral. Moreover, v 2 = 2m2 + 2n2 , which is even, and therefore lattice is
even.
For dual lattice one has gij? = diag{ 21 , 12 }. Lattice is not unimodular g = det ||gij? || = 41 . Its
not integral: for two vectors v ? = me?1 + ne?2 and w? = pe?1 + qe?2 one has v ? w? = 12 (pm + qn),
which is not necessary integer.
(ii) Obviously this one works: e1 = 12 (1, 1), e2 = 12 (1, 1). Indeed, for Lorentzian signature
ij = (1, 1) and a couple of vectors e?1 = e2 , e?2 = e1 one has ei e?j = ij , therefore e?i are
basis vectors of dual lattice. At the same time they apparently belong to the

initial lattice.
0 1
Therefore lattice is self-dual. Then, metric tensor is given by gij = 1
, and therefore
0
p
|g| = 1, which means that lattice is unimodular. For any two vectors v = me1 + ne2 and
w = pe1 + qe2 of the lattice one has v w = np mq, which is integer. Finally, v 2 = 2mn,
which is even. Therefore lattice is an integral even.
Problem 7.9
(i) We are going to deal with CFT description of only one compactified coordinate; the rest
coordinates may be considered independently in a well known CFT bosonic string formalism.
The action
Z
1
2z
X Xd
(7.69)
S[X] =
M
indeed may be used for description of bosonic string on torus M , parametrized by coordinates
z, z. It follows from the fact that to define torus we should define modular parameter , which
allows us to identify points on complex plane as
z z + 1,

z z + .

After we have done this, we can define metric tensor on torus in such a way, that a measure of
integration will be d2 z. Because of of torus is uniquely given by = 1 + i2 , and torus may
be made uniform by corresponding conformal transformation, one can uniquely parametrize
corresponding constant metric on torus via i :


1 1 1
g =
2 1 | |2
p
This metric tensor has |g| = 1. Then we will indeed get action (7.69) (which looks like that
in spherical world-sheet case, or Riemann plane without identifications of points).
63

In this problem we deal with closed bosonic string, because for open string there would be
no sense to define winding numbers. Therefore total-derivative terms in variation of the action
will be canceled, due to the fact that equations
X(z + 1, z + 1) = X(z, z) + 2RW1 ,
X(z + , z + ) = X(z, z) + 2RW2
will lead to variations of X and its derivatives to be equal at opposite edges of world-sheet
(opposite edges of torus moduli space cell on a complex plane). It loks like this:
Z


1
+ X X

S =
d2 z X X
=

Z


2
+ XX |z,z =
+ 1 X X
d2 zX X
=

Z
2

=
d2 zX X.

= 0. Classical instanton solution of this equations is

Therefore equations of motion are X
Xcl =

2R
((W2 W1 )z + (W1 W2 )
z) .

(7.70)

In difference with Riemann-plane case now we dont have any oscillator terms. The thing is
that they would violate identifications on complex plane, while in the case of cylinder worldsheet, equivalent to Riemann plane (or Rieman sphere), we didnt have to identify any points
on complex plane.
R
R
(ii) Note, that M d2 z = M dRezdImz = | | sin ( ), where ( ) is a phase of . Using solution
(7.70) we can easily obtain
S[Xcl ] = C(W2 W1 )(W2 W1 ) = C|W2 W1 |2 ,
where
C=

| | sin ( )
4R2
( )2

R2
=
,
| | sin ( )

)
and weve used = 2iIm , and sin ( ) = Im(
.
| |
(iii) We can recast classical partition function
X
eScl (W1 ,W2 )
Zcl =
W1 ,W2

performing Poisson resummation. The aim of this is to find some duality - some sort of interchange of W1 and W2 - which wont affect the partition function.
Introduce symmetric matrix


C
| |2
12 ( + )
A=
.
12 ( + )
1

64

C
2
2
2 ) > 0, this matrix A is positive-defined due
Because of C > 0 and det A = 4
2 (2| |
to Sylvesters criterion. With the help of this matrix we can rewrite partition function in the
form
X
Zcl =
exp (M T AM ),
{M }

where M =

W1
W2

. Then, according to Poisson resummation formula

1
Zcl (A) =
Zcl (A1 ).
det A

The inverse matrix is given by

A

=
C det A

1
1
( + )
2

1
(
2


+ )
.
| |2

Using this one finds that

X

Zcl (A ) =


exp

W1 ,W2


2
2
|W1 + W2 | .
C det A

Therefore we have the following identity:

X
W1 ,W2

exp C|W2 W1 |



X
1
2
2
=
|W1 + W2 | ,
exp
C det A
det A W1 ,W2

W2 , W2 C det
W1 (transformation from l.h.s. to
which exhibits a duality W1 C det
A
A
r.h.s. of the last equation) of partition function up to a total multiplier.

Problem 7.10
(i) A set of basis vectors of E8 lattice is a set of simple roots of E8 :
e1 = (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0);
e2 = (0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0);
e3 = (0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0);
e4 = (0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0);
e5 = (0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0);
e6 = (1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0);
1
e7 = (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1);
2
e8 = (1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0).
P i
P j
(ii) Suppose v = i v ei and w = j w ej , where v i , wj Z, are two arbitrary vectors from
E8 lattice. Then
X
vw =
v i w j ei ej
i,j

65

is obviously an integer value, because ei ej = {0, 1, 2}. It also holds

v2 = 2

8
X
i=1

(v i )2 2

6
X

v i v i+1 2v 5 v 8 ,

i=1

which is even. Therefore E8 lattice is even.

Denoting by ui a 8D vector
with all zero entries except unit at the ith place, one can expand
P
any 8D vector v as v =
vi ui . It would be a vector of dual lattice ?8 if and only if v e Z
for all vectors e 8 - E8 root lattice. Consider first 8 vectors of the type e = ui uj
(fix for concreteness some i 6= j). Then v.e = vi vj . This should be an integer. Because
of arbitrariness of choice of i, j, one concludes that all vi at the

same time should be either
1
1
integer or half-integer.
Second, consider
P
P vector e0 = 2 , . . . , 2 , which belongs to lattice 8 .
vi to be even. If all vi are integers, whose sum is even,
Then v e0 = 12 vi , which requires
then it belongs to 8 , namely its an integral combination of vectors ui uj of 8 . If all vi
are half-integers, whose sum is even, then v e0 has all integer entries, whose sum is even too.
Therefore v e0 8 and thus v 8 . As a result one concludes that ?8 , which is composed of
all vectors whose inner product with 8 vectors is integer, actually is included inside 8 . From
the other point of view, inner product of any pair of 8 vectors is obviously integer (see Cartan
matrix), which means that 8 is sublattice of ?8 . Therefore one concludes, that 8 = ?8 .
Problem 7.11
Consider 16 lattice with basis vectors s = 12 (u1 u2 + u3 u4 + + u15 u16 ), ei = ui
ui+1 , i = 2, . . . 15, e16 = u15 + u16 , where as in the solution of Problem 7.10 ui stands for vector
with unit value at ith place and all zero values at other places. Considerations of absolutely
the same scheme as used in the solution of that problem may be employed here to prove that
16 is an even self-dual lattice. Since e1 = u1 u2 is obviously an integer linear combination
of introduced vectors, then 16 contains SO(32) roots ui uj , i 6= j. In addition it contains
one of Spin(32) weight s. The group Spin(32) contains a center Z2 Z2 . Therefore, 16 is a
weight lattice of Spin(32)/Z2 .
Problem 7.12
1. Torus metric properties are characterized by symmetrical metric tensor G. At the same
time torus is uniquely defined by modular parameter . Therefore metric tensor and modular
parameter could be expressed through each other. But is not unique for a given torus: it may
be transformed to equivalent values by modular transformation group SL(2, Z). Therefore, if
one changes , one should also reparametrize world-sheet (torus coordinates) to have interval
on world-sheet invariant. And if after that one makes a reverse reparametrization, everything
returns to the starting values. To summarize: the action of modular SL(2, Z) transformation
ought to affect coordinates of world-sheet at the same time with world-sheet metric in a way
leaving interval on world-sheet invariant; then one makes a backward reparametrization, which
returns both metric and coordinates on world-sheet to their initial values. This contemplation
proves the fact, that modular transformations + 1, 1 leaves the spectrum of
bosonic string invariant.
2. The following transformations (where G is given by BBS (7.70))
 
 
W
W
T
G AGA ,
A
,
K
K
66



where A = 1Nn 10n with integer-valued antisymmetric N matrix, are shift T-duality O(n, n, Z)
transformations of bosonic string. As for antisymmetric field B, its transformed under these
transformation as BIJ BIJ + 21 NIJ . In the case of T 2 its simply B12 B12 + 21 N12 . Therefore,
as partial case, + 1, which is B12 B12 + 1 (see solution to Exercise 7.8), is retrieved
with N12 = 2.
3. To deal with other T-dualities its most convenient to employ reparametrizartion invariance
of world-sheet torus, which allows us to eliminate 2 degrees
of freedom, which
we choose to

det G
be G12 (= G21 ) and B12 . Therefore we are left with = i G22 and = i det G (again, see
solution to Exercise 7.8). Then, if the transformation of interest is , 1 , it leaves

G
i
= i2 = i Gdet
invariant
and
transforms

=
i
=
i
det G det
. These transformations
2
22
G
obviously assume
!


1
0
G11 0
.
GIJ =
G22 1
0 G11
0 G22 IJ
IJ

Before proceeding, lets interchange toroidally compactified coordinates: X 24 X 25 . This will

not change a spectrum, but we will believe, that weve interchanged winding and KK excitation
numbers in both of compactified directions. Therefore we got metric of torus:
!
1
0
G0IJ = G11 1
.
0 G22
IJ

In BBS T-duality for toroidally compactified string is studied in terms of matrix



2(G BG1 B) BG1
1
G =
,
1 1
G1 B
G
2
which after reparametrization of torus made above reduces to


2G 0
1
G =
.
0 21 G1
Transformation studied here (together with coordinate interchange) brings it to

 1
2G
0
01
G =
.
0 12 G
That is a dual matrix, entering mass condition (BBS (7.68))
 
W
1 2
1
M0 = (W, K) G
,
2
K
will not change this condition, if one interchanges simultaneously W I W 0I = 12 KI , and KI
KI0 = 2W I . This change is also good due to the fact, that it will not affect NR NL = W I KI .
That proves the duality character of considered transformation.
4. Consider the action of transformation U : (, ) (, ). Again, we assume reparametrization of torus was made, as in the previous point. Then U -transformation obviously means
!


G11 0
G11 0
GIJ =

.
0 G22 IJ
0 G122
IJ

67

This transformation resembles partly the case of previous point with only one difference: now
T-duality is made along only X 25 coordinate. The rest is the same, just leave winding and KK
excitation numbers unchanged for X 24 direction and change that for X 25 direction as described
in the previous point.
5. Obviously for reparametrized torus transformations(, ) (
,
) will simply leave
and unchanged, because for reparametrized in a described in point 3 manner torus and
are purely imaginary.
Problem 7.13
(i) We will use formulae for background fields T-duality transformations, derived in the solution of Problem 6.5. We start with rectangular metric on T 3 : Gxx = Gyy = Gzz = R2 and
antisymmetric 2-form with only non-zero component being Bxy = Byx = N z. Other components are zero. Then we perform a T-duality in the x direction, which gives us the following
non-zero components:
2 2
xy = N z , G
yy = R2 + N z , G
zz = R2 .
xx = 1 , G
G
R2
R2
R2
IJ are zero. Now we perform a T-duality in y direction. This gives us
All components of B

R2
yy =
zz = R2 ,
xx = 1 , G
, G
G
R2
R4 + N 2 z 2

yx = B
xy =
B

R4

Nz
+ N 2z2

with other components being zero.

(ii) Evidently, translation of z coordinate by period of circle which it parametrizes will not
change metric components and will affect B-field in a way compensated by shift duality symmetry BBS (7.72). Also as one can easily see situation is more complicated in the theory resulted
after two T-duality transformations.
(iii) As soon as translation of z by its period is to be symmetry of the theory, then one concludes that this symmetry is not associated with just geometric T-duality of torus. Then this
is nongeometric duality.

M-theory and string duality

Problem 8.1
We are going to deal with bosonic part of D = 11 supergravity, given by BBS (8.8):


Z
Z

1
1
1
11
2
d x G R |F4 |
A3 F4 F4 ,
Sb = 2
211
2
12211
where F4 = dA3 . Before starting variation of action lets refine some points. The last term in
the action may be rewritten as
Z
1

A3 F4 F4 =
12211
Z
1 3!4!4!
AM N P (Q AZRS )(V AXY W )dxM dxN dxP dxQ dxZ dxR dxS dxV dxY dxW =
=
12211 11!
68

Z
1
1
=
d11 xM N P QZRSV XY W AM N P (Q AZRS )(V AXY W ) =
2
1211 11550
Z

1
1
=
d11 x GE M N P QZRSV XY W AM N P (Q AZRS )(V AXY W ).
2
1211 11550
Here
E M N P QZRSV XY W =

M N P QZRSV XY W

(8.71)

is a tensor value. Similarly

EM N P QZRSV XY W =

GM N P QZRSV XY W

is a tensor value too, which is useful for the construction of a volume form. We will aply it in
the solution of Problem 8.2 for AdS4 .
By definition
|F4 |2 =

1 M1 N1 M2 N2 M3 N3 M4 N4
FM1 M2 M3 M4 FN1 N2 N3 N4 .
G
G
G
G
4!

From F4 = dA3 and

A3 =

1
AZRS dxZ dxR dxS
3!

it follows, that
F4 =

1
FQZRS dxQ dxZ dxR dxS ,
4!

with
FQZRS =
Note also, that

4!
[Q AZRS] = 4[Q AZRS] .
3!

1
GGM N GM N ,
G =
2


Z
Z

1
11
11
d x GR = d x G RM N RGM N GM N .
2

Now we can proceed to finding equations of motion. First, lets vary the action Sb by GM N .
The dependence on metric GM N is a feature of the following term of Sb :


Z

1
1
11
2
d x G R |F4 | .
2211
2
Variation by GM N gives equations of motion


1
1
1
2
RM N =
R |F4 | GM N + FM P QR FNP QR .
2
2
12
The dependence of the action Sb on 3-form field A3 is shown in terms
Z
Z

1
1
1
11
2
2
d x G |F4 |
A3 F4 F4 ,
211
2
12211
69

(8.72)

which according to calculations above may be represented in the form

Z
Z

1
1
1
1
2
11
2
d x G |F4 |
d11 xM N P QZRSV XY W AM N P (Q AZRS )(V AXY W ).
211
2
12211 11550
Lagrange equations of motion
Q

L
L

=0
(Q AZRS ) AZRS

give us

1 
1
1
Q
GF QZRS 2M N P QZRSV XY W
Q (AM N P V AXY W )
4
12
11550
1 M N P QZRSV XY W 1

(Q AM N P )(V AXY W ) = 0.
12
11550
Using (8.71) this equation of motion may be recast in the form




2
M N P QZRSV XY W
QZRS
Q
E
AM N P V AXY W
+
G 3F
+
11550

1
M N P QZRSV XY W (Q AM N P )(V AXY W ) = 0.
11550
This equation may be also rewritten as




2
QZRS
M N P QZRSV XY W
Q
G 3F
+
E
AM N P FV XY W
+
11550
+

1
M N P QZRSV XY W FQM N P FV XY W = 0.
11550

(8.73)

Problem 8.2
Define the strength of A3 on the first four coordinates in AdS4 (labeled by Greek indices) as
F4 = M 4 ,
and zero on the other seven coordinates S 7 (labeled by Latin indices). Here 4 is volume form
on d = 4 space-time:
1
4 = E dx dx dx dx ,
4!

where as was mentioned in the solution of the Problem 8.1 E = g(4) is a tensor
value. Here g(4) is determinant of restriction of metric tensor on AdS4 . Then
p
F = M g(4) ,
and

1
F = M
.
g(4)
70

(8.74)

Therefore

M 2

= M 2 ,
24
where weve used the fact that 0123 = 00 11 22 33 0123 = 1. Observe, that 3-form field A3 has
its components only on AdS4 , which means that second set of supergravity bosonic equations
of motion (8.73) is reduced to




E
A F
+

G 3F
+
11550
|F4 |2 =

1
F F = 0.
(8.75)
11550
Note, that the last two terms are obviously zero, because they are trying to antisymmetrize
eleven four-valued indices indices in eleven-component -symbol. Due to the fact that our
space-time has topology AdS4 S 7 , we have G = g(4) g(7) . Taking this and formula (8.74) into
account, one goes from the first term of (8.75) to

g(7) = 0.
+

This equation is indeed satisfied, because S 7 metric determinant g(7) doesnt depend on AdS4
coordinates with Greek indices, and is just constant.
Now lets proceed to the first set of D = 11 supergravity equations (8.72). The Ricci tensor
of proposed solution is
R = (M4 )2 g ,
Rij = (M7 )2 gij ,
and our aim is to show that it satisfies (8.72). First note that R = g R + g ij Rij = 4M42 +
7M72 , where its taken into account, that g g = 4. Then, for AdS4 with respect to (8.75)
and the fact that E E = 6g , equations (8.72)


1
1
1
2
R =
R |F4 | g + F F
2
2
12
mean that
M 2 = 14M72 4M42 .
For S 7 equations (8.72) are written as
1
1
Rij = Rgij |F4 |2 gij ,
2
4
which gives
M 2 = 8M42 10M72 .
Then we conclude that M42 = 2M72 and M 2 = 6M72 .
Problem 8.3
According to Hawking, Ellis [7], conformal transformation g = 2 g affects scalar curvature
in the following manner:
RR
+ 2(n 1)1 ; + (n 1)(n 4)2 g , , .
R = 2 R
;
71

Dimension of space-time is n = 10, which we will substitute later. Here we go from string metric

E
E
E
g to Einstein metric g
. Then we replace notation g
by g . Because of g = e 2 g
, which

in the notation above means g = e 2 g , therefore = e 4 . Relation between determinants

of metrics is g = e5 g, inverse metrics: g = e 2 g . DAlambertian is equal to:

1
;
g, .
; =

g x
Therefore

d10 x ge2 R =

Z
Z


p
7 p
n1
(n 1)(n 4)

10
7

gR
g ,
+ d10 x
, , g .
= d x
d xe 4 g e 4
2
16
,
Partial integration of the second term and rising of indices in Einstein frame will give us


Z
p
(n

1)(n

18)
,
10
+
, ,
d x
g R
16
Z

10

which for n = 10 finally means

Z

10

d x


9
,

g R , .
2

At the same time

Z

d x ge2 , , g =
10

p
d10 x
g , , ,

where on the r.h.s. indices are risen with the help of new - Einstein-frame - metric tensor.
Combining obtained results one will get SN S action:


Z

1
1
1

2
10
SN S = 2 d x g R e |H3 | .
2
2
2
Here we have used the fact that according to BBS (8.11) it takes place
|H3 |2 =

3
1 M1 N1 M2 N2 M3 N3
g
g
g
HM1 M2 M3 HN1 N2 N3 e 2 |H3 |2 .
3!

Squared field strengths |F2 |2 , |F4 |2 are transformed in a similar way, which should be used in
in the transition to SR in Einstein frame.
Problem 8.4
Our aim is to redefine forms C1 and C3 , which are dynamical fields in the actions BBS (8.41),
(8.42), to get factor e2 in that actions. For this aim define C1 = e C1 and C3 = e C3 .
Then, e.g.:
F2 = dC1 = d(e C1 ) = e (dC1 d C1 ) = e F2 ,
where F2 = dC1 d C1 . Squaring F2 will lead to factor e2 in the corresponding term.
Redefinition of F4 works in exactly the same manner.
72

Problem 8.5
Consider Chern-Simons action
SCS

1
= 2
4

Z
B2 F4 F4 .

U (1) gauge transformation of 1-form A1 = d assumes also transformation of the 3-form:

A3 = d B, where B = B2 is a 2-form (of supergravity multiplet). Then for F4 = dA3 one
obtains gauge transformation law: F4 = d dB2 (non-zero in difference with transformation
law BBS (8.33) for F4 )
Z
Z
1
1
SCS = 2 B2 F4 F4 = 2 B2 F4 d dB2 .
2
2
Because of forms d, F4 are closed, one can conclude that:
Z
1
SCS = 2 d (B2 F4 d B2 ) .
4
Therefore U (1) variation of the action SCS is given by a surface integral, which means U (1)
invariance of SCS .
Problem 8.6
First, we are going to study transformation of the action


Z

1
1
10
2

2
SN S = 2 d x ge
R + 4 |H3 |
2
2
According to the statement of the present problem, we replace . Then we get


Z

1
1
2
2
10

SN S = 2 d x ge
R + 4 |H3 |
2
2
Using the same technics as in the solution of Problem 8.3, for n being a dimension of space-time,
one finds that for g = e g it holds


Z
Z
p

1
1
(n

1)(n

10)
10
2
10
2

+
d x ge R = 2 d x
ge
R
.
22
2
4
In parallel one has
1
22

1
d x ge 4 = 2
2
10

p
d10 x
g e2 4 ,

where as always on the r.h.s. summation is performed with the help of new metric g
(we actually make a replacement of metric, therefore in final formulae hats from all g may be
deleted). One also has




Z
Z
p

1
1
1
1
10
2
2
10
2
d x ge
|H3 | = 2 d x
g |H3 | ,
22
2
2
2
73

on the r.h.s. the value |H3 |2 is constructed with the help of new metric. Therefore transformed
NS part of the action of type-IIB supergravity looks like


Z
p
1

2 1
2
2
10
R + 4 e
ge
|H3 |
SN S = 2 d x
2
2
Second, we consider transformation of R part of supergravity action:


Z

1
1
2
10
2
2
SR = 2 d x g |F1 | + |F3 | + |F5 | ,
4
2

(8.76)

where Fn = dCn . As its recommended in the statement of the problem, we begin our consideration with the case of C0 = 0, and therefore F1 = 0, F3 = F3 C0 H3 = F3 . At the
same by definition F5 = F5 21 C2 H3 + 12 B2 F3 . Taking this into account, and performing
transition to the new metric (initially theres no dilaton dependence in SR , which omits the
first step of transformation), one results in the action


Z
p
1
1 2
10
2
2
SR = 2 d x
g e |F3 | + |F5 | ,
4
2
Third, Chern-Simons action
SCS

1
= 2
4

Z
C4 H3 F3 ,

remains unchanged under proposed transitions, because it doesnt contain any dilaton dependence and as topological term it doesnt depend on metric.
Now the task is to figure out which theory we resulted in. According to field content, it must
be again type-IIB supergravity. To verify that it indeed is, observe that as in the solution of
Problem 8.4 we can use redefinitions of Cn and B2 fields and their strengths. This is not change
of physical meaning, just change of notation in the same fields multiplet, made independently on
the origin of the fields (remember, that B and C fields have different origin: as RR gauge fields
and as reduction of D = 11 3-form A3 respectively) locally in considered D = 10 supergravity.
Then lets redefine B2 e B2 , and correspondingly H3 e H30 , where H30 = dB2 dB2 .
Also replace C2 e C2 , and respectively F3 e F30 , where F30 = dC2 + d C2 . Note, that
then Chern-Simons term of bosonic part of type-IIB supergravity will take the proper form
Z
1
SCS = 2 C4 H30 F30 ,
4
without any need of redefinition of C4 . And that is good, because otherwise the term with |F5 |2
in SR would be irreversibly damaged.
We also have


Z
p
1
1 0 2
10
2

SN S = 2 d x
ge
R + 4 |H3 | ,
2
2


Z
p
1
1 2
10
0 2
SR = 2 d x
g |F3 | + |F5 | ,
4
2
74

which is exactly the form of actions we need to conclude, that we are dealing with type-IIB
supergravity.
Therefore the transition made in this problem describes duality type-IIB-type-IIB. This is
the duality between theories with inverse coupling constant, which is the consequence of the
fact, that string coupling constant gs has the form of exponential function of dilaton vev.
This duality may be generalized for the case of C0 6= 0. We must reformulate some steps of
the previous consideration. Action SR has now the most general view (8.76). Redefinition of
metric transforms it to


Z
p
1 2
1
4
2
2 2
10
g e |F1 | + e |F3 | + |F5 | .
SR = 2 d x
4
2
To return to the form of type-IIB supergravity action, one should perform a change of variables
C0 e2 C0 , correspondingly to which field strength is changed to F1 e2 F10 , where F10 =
dC0 + 2d C0 . Considered above transformation C2 e C2 , F3 e F30 is more subtle
now. Indeed, now we are dealing with F3 = F3 C0 H3 = F3 , not just F3 = dC2 . As before
one should perform a transformation B2 e B2 , and correspondingly H3 e H30 , which
relates to SN S action, unaffected by any value of C0 . Then observe, that if one still makes
C2 e C2 , F3 e F30 , then, because of C0 H3 e2 C0 e H30 = e C0 H30 , one has
F3 e F30 . Then we arrive to the action


Z
p
1
1 2
10
0 2
0 2

SR = 2 d x
g |F1 | + |F3 | + |F5 |
4
2
of the required type-IIB supergravity form.
Problem 8.7
With the help of results considering transformation of SN S from the solution of Problem 8.6,
the solution of this problem is obvious. Lets point out some additional things. Considered
transformation 1) , 2)g e g coincides with reverse to it. Indeed, repeating
of this transformation brings everything back: 1) e g e g , , 2) e g
e e g = g .
Remember also how according to the end of the solution of Problem 8.3 terms of the type
|Fn |2 are transformed under change of metric. One should also take into account, that, as
1
Tr(F 2 ), if F is generator of SO(32).
was shown in the solution of Problem 5.12, tr(F 2 ) = 30
Then actions BBS (8.73) and BBS (8.81) of type-I and Spin(32)/Z2 heterotic supergravities
are mapped onto each other by considered two-step duality transformation. Correspondence
3 F3 .
between 2-form fields is B2 C2 , which is equivalent to H
Problem 8.8
Conformal transformation g e g may be recast in terms of zehnbein transformation:
ea e/2 ea . This also means, that ea e/2 ea . Therefore Dirac matrices in curved spacetime = ea a transform as follows: e/2 , and e/2 . Spin connection may
be expressed through metric (see GSW (12.1.5), where g = 0 is assumed). With the help of
this formula one finds transformation law for spin connection under conformal transformation
of metric:


1 a b
e e ea eb , .
ab ab +
4
75

This will lead to transformation of covariant derivative BBS (8.18) of spinors:

1
1
0 = + ea eb ab , = + , .
8
8
Perform transformation in BBS (8.80) supersymmetry transformations for type-I
superstring:
1
(3) ,
= e F
8
1
1
(3) ,
= + e F
2
4
1
= F(2) .
2
Then observe that according to definition of the type BBS (8.13) under rescaling of metric
(3) , F(2) e F(2) . Therefore SUSY
(3) e3/2 F
the following transformations take place: F
transformations go to
1 (3)
= 0 F
,
8
1
1 (3)
e/2 = + F
,
2
4
1
e = F(2) .
2
This corresponds to BBS (8.85) supersymmetry transformations for heterotic supergravity if
one rescales e/2 and e .
Problem 8.9
Taub-NUT metric is given by ds25 = dt2 + ds2T N , where spatial 4d part is
ds2T N

= V (r) dr + r (d + sin d ) + V 1 (r)
2

(d d) + R sin2 d
2
2

2
,

(8.77)

R
where V (r) = 1 + 2r
, and compactified coordinate y (with period 2R) is replaced by =
+ 2y/R with period 4. Introduce new variable = R . As soon as we consider points
V (r)

near r = 0, we can calculate metric with accuracy of O(r2 ) (which is equal to O(4 )). Then
2

r V (r) sin + V

R2
rR
R2 1
2
2
2
2
(r)
cos =
+ O(r ) =
V (r) + O(r ) =
+ O(r2 ),
4
2
4
4

which is a coefficient of d2 in (8.77). Coefficient of d2 is equal to

rR
2
2
r V (r) =
+ O(r ) =
+ O(r2 ).
2
4
2

Finally we observe that V (r)dr2 = d2 + O(4 ). As a result from (8.77) in the vicinity of r = 0
one goes to
2
ds2T N = d2 + (d2 + d2 + d 2 2 cos dd).
4
76

> 0. All lead minors are

Determinant of metric corresponding to dsT N is equal to g = sin
64
positive too, therefore metric is positive-defined (according to Sylvester criterion), which means
its of Euclidean type. It can be made conformally-flat with obstruction points at = 0 (where
determinant of (, )-part of the metric tensor vanishes) and = 0.

Problem 8.10
(i) We start with zero-valued antisymmetric 2-form B2 and 10D metric
2

ds = dt +

ds2T N

5
X

dx2i ,

i=1

where
ds2T N


2


1
2
= V (r) dr + r (d + sin d ) + V (r) dy + R sin d
2
2

is (1 + 4)D Taub-NUT metric. Then we apply the rules of background fields transformation
mentioned in the statement of the problem, which are derived in the solution of Problem 6.5.
For T-duality in y-direction this gives metric (order t, r, , , y, . . . )
g = diag{1, V (r), r2 V (r), r2 V (r) sin2 , V (r), 1, 1, 1, 1, 1},
2 with only non-zero components B
y = B
y = R sin2 .
and antisymmetric 2-form B
2
(ii) As soon as weve performed a T-duality transformation in compactified direction y, that is
orthogonal to 5-brane (which stretches in coordinate directions xi ), then
in 6-brane
P5 we result
2
2
2
in IIB-theory. The metric on this brane is given by ds(6) = V (r)dy + i=1 dxi .
(iii) Tensions of D-branes support this interpretaion, because unwrapping of one of spatial
directions orthogonal to 5-brane will give 6-brane with tension
TD6 =

TD5
.
2`s

(8.78)

Formula BBS (8.114) is an example of calculation of tension for known metric. In that formula integration is performed over spatial coordinated, orthogonal to brane (integration over
y coordinate was performed explicitly, giving a factor 2R). For 6-brane we have one less orthogonal direction than for 5-brane, and if these branes are T-dual, then the direction of their
difference is compact. Then integral over it gives relation between tensions pointed in (8.78).
Problem 8.11
Consider D = 11 M-theory. Therere 10 spatial dimensions, therefore number of spatial coordinates which surround M 5-brane is equal to 4. Then F4 form may be integrated over a sphere
S 4 , surrounding M 5-brane, which is then a source of magnetic charge. This charge is localized
on M 5-brane, therefore on M 5-brane F4 form is not exact: F4 6= dA3 . Then
dF4 = W ,
where W is 5-form magnetic current, being a delta-function with support on M 5-brane. Its
defined by the following formula, concerning 6-form field K6 :
Z
Z
W K 6 =
K6 ,
M5

77

where integration in the l.h.s. is performed over 11D space-time with 6 coordinates being
M 5-brane world-volume coordinates, integration in the r.h.s. is performed over M 5-brane
world-volume.
6D world-volume theory has Lorentz anomaly, encoded in 6 + 2 = 8 form I8 . Descent
equations allow us to reconsider anomaly from the point of local world-volume Lagrangian
counterterm, which is proportional to 6-form G6 :
I8 = d7 ,

7 = dG6 ,

where variation is assumed under Lorentz transformations. To cancel this anomaly assume
interaction of M 5-brane with some 7-form field 7 (which may be expressed through CS forms)
in D = 11, which adds term
Z
S2 = F4 7
R
R
to the action S1 = F4 (?F )7 d11 x|F4 |2 . Total action is therefore
Z
Z
S = S1 + S2 = F4 ?F7 + F4 7 ,
where ?F7 is 7-form Hodge dual to 4-form F4 . Variation of action gives equations of motion:
d ? F7 =

1
d7 .
2

Problem 8.12
Tension of D0-brane is derived in M-theory: its equal
to mass of KK excitation (see BBS
(8.106), where according to BBS (8.34) one has `s = 0 ):
TD0 = MD0 =

1
1
=
.
R11
`s gs

Therefore, according to BBS (6.112), (6.114) recursion formulae tension of D2-brane is equal
to (this result is mentioned in Chapter 6 too, see BBS (6.115))
TD2 =

1
(2)2 0 `s gs

2
.
(2`s )3 gs

From the other point, M 2-brane under dimension reduction of one of its longitudinal coordinates is transformed to fundamental string (because this string is coupled to corresponding
B2 -field, obtained by dimensional reduction form A3 ), therefore tension of M 2-brane is given
by (see BBS (8.107)):
TF 1
2
TM 2 =
=
,
2R11
(2`s )3 gs
1
where weve used the fact, that tension of fundamental string is given by TF 1 = 2
0 (BBS
(2.42)). One easily observes that TD2 = TM 2 .
According to BBS (8.22), (8.95) and (8.34) tensions of M 5 and N S5 branes equal to each
other. This tension is given by

TM 5 =

2
2
= 2
,
6
(2`p )
gs (2`s )6
78

therefore tension of wrapped M 5 brane is equal to

2
,
gs (2`s )5

2R11 TM 5 =
which is equal to the tension of D4-brane.
Problem 8.13
BBS (8.131)
r
=

2R11 TM 2
.
TF 1

(8.79)

Combine it with BBS (8.136)

TD3

TM 2
TM 2
=
=
3
2RB
2RB

BBS (8.132)
RB =

TF 1
2R11 TM 2

 23
.

(8.80)

gs

.
3/2
(2R11 )
TF 1 TM 2

Substitute into (8.80)

TF2 1
TD3 =
.
2gs
Substitute (8.79) and (8.81) into BBS (8.138)
TM 5 =

(8.81)

2
2
TM
2 (2R11 )
.
2 gs AM

(8.82)

BBS (8.129) ImM = ImB ,

BBS (8.98) ImB = g1s ,
therefore BBS (8.126) AM =
Substitute into (8.82)

(2R11 )2
.
gs
2
TM
2
.
2

TM 5 =

Problem 8.14
Eq. BBS (8.139) verifies formulae BBS (8.22) for tensions of M 2- and M 5-branes. Then
TM 2 TM 5 = 2

1
(2)8 (g

3 3
s ls )

BPS bound is defined as TM 2 = M 2 , and TM 5 = M 5 , where

=

1
(2)4 (gs ls3 )3/2

Then Dirac quantization condition (for the minimal product of charges, which is the case here
because according to the problem statement both M 2-brane and M 5-brane carry one unit of
corresponding charges) is indeed satisfied:
M 2 M 5 = 2.
79

Problem 8.15
We are going to match M-theory compactified on cylinder M , and SO(32) heterotic string (HO
string) compactified on circle. Cylinder has length L1 in eleventh direction, and circumference
L2 in tenth direction. In HO theory tenth (compactified) direction has length (period) LO =
2RO .
According to mass formula for compactified closed string, tension of a string is a mass of
excitation in compactified direction per unit length (see BBS (6.14) or its generalization BBS
(8.123)). Here we consider closed string which wounds compact direction ones, namely consider
(HO)
HO string wrapped on RO -circle. Its mass is then 2RO T1
. It corresponds to lowest KK
mode of M 2-brane on cylinder. Generally speaking, KK modes on cylinder are described by
wave function with periods L1 and L2 :



n2
n1
x+ y
,
n1 ,n2 exp 2i
L1
L2
where we have denoted x = x10 and y = x9 . The mass squared is eigenvalue of x2 y2
operator. For KK excitation, corresponding to considered lowest HO string state, mass is
equal to L22 . Matching masses of KK excitations, taking into account factor , relating metrics
in 11D and 10D (g (M ) = 2 g (O) , and therefore if we compare some length a, or mass a1 , in
HO theory with some length b in M-theory then we are to write it as a b), one gets
(HO)

L2 RO T1

= 1.

(8.83)

Now lets match compactified HO string, with lowest mass input from compactified direction
being R1O , and compactified M-theory with lowest mass input from compactified directions
being AM TM 2 = L1 L2 TM 2 (again, use appropriately factor):
2
.
LO

L1 L2 TM 2 =

(8.84)

Equations (8.83) and (8.84) together give us

L1 L22 TM 2 =

(2)2
(HO)

T1

L2O

Also from (8.83) and (8.84) one can also easily figure out, that
s
L1 TM 2
=
,
(HO)
T1
and
L0 =

2
.
L1 L2 TM 2

(8.85)

(8.86)

Now observe that (1, 0) D5-brane in heterotic string theory (actually heterotic string is closed
(HO)
string theory, therefore Dirichlet brane is not appropriate term) is replaced by T5
-brane,
(HO)
11
which is TM 5 -brane without x as longitudinal direction. If we compactify T5
-brane on

80

circle of radius RO and TM 5 -brane on L2 -line interval, we will get (with respect to 5 factor,
denoting matching of 5 dimensions of length) matching of tensions of 4-branes:
(HO)

LO 5 T5

= L2 TM 5 .

Using (8.85), (8.86) and BBS (8.139) for the relation

(HO)

(HO)
T5

(T1
)3
=
(2)2

TM 5
,
(TM 2 )2

L2
L1

we get

2
.

Finally lets match masses of KK excitations of M-theory and HO-string, as it was done in the
(HO)
beginning of this solution, but using formula |n2 n1 B |T1
for tension (mass per unit length
in compactified direction) for mass of (n1 , n2 ) KK excitation of HO string ( factor makes our
consideration 11D). Namely we are interested in (1, 0) KK excitation. Because B = gis (in
difference with BBS (8.98), presented for type-IIB superstring, HO string as type-I string has
no C0 fileds - theres just C2 ), according to presented above mass of M-theory KK excitation
(applied for (n1 , n2 ) = (1, 0) case), we obtain
LO

1 (HO)
2
T1
=
.
gs
L1

Combining this with (8.83) one gets

gs =

L1
.
L2

String geometry

Problem 9.1
According to BBS (9.241) dual form on four-dimensional manifold is determined by formula
1
0
0
?(dx dx ) = E g0 g0 dx dx ,
2

where E = .
|g|

We deal with rectangular torus T 4 with

having only non-zero components gz1 z1 =
p metric

1
1
gz1 z1 = gz2 z2 = gz2 z2 = 2 , and therefore |g| = 4 . We also hold the definition 1212 = 1. As a
result one has
?(dz 1 dz 2 ) = 4g11 g22 dz 1 dz 2 = dz 1 dz 2 ,

?(d
z 1 d
z 2 ) = d
z 1 d
z2,

?(dz 1 d
z 2 ) = dz 1 d
z2,
?(dz 2 d
z 1 ) = dz 2 d
z1,

?(dz 1 d
z 1 + dz 2 d
z 2 ) = dz 1 d
z 1 + dz 2 d
z2,

?(dz 1 d
z 1 dz 2 d
z 2 ) = (dz 1 d
z 1 dz 2 d
z 2 ).
81

In addition note that 3 anti self-dual 2-forms provided here should be accompanied with 16
anti self-dual 2-forms J of the type BBS (9.25) from 16 EH spaces around 16 singularities of
orbifold. Observe also that among formulae above one has 3 self-dual 2-forms.
Finally note that considered forms are harmonic, or equivalently, they form non-trivial basic
elements of de Rahm cohomology class H 2 . Indeed, if the form is closed and self-dual (or anti
self-dual), then its obviously harmonic. Forms J are closed as Kahler forms, and they are anti
self-dual, as its shown in the solution of Problem 9.2. Other six forms considered above are
both closed and (anti) self-dual. Therefore they are all harmonic.
Problem 9.2
The positive-oriented order of coordinates is (r, , , ), as its shown later it gives positive
determinant of metric tensor. Then from BBS (9.24) it follows, that metric tensor of EH space
is given by matrix:

g =

0
0
0

r2
4

r 2 cos
4

0
0

r2
4

r 2 cos
4

r2
( cos2
4

r6

+sin2

sin2

Then determinant of metric tensor is equal to g = 64 . Spherical coordinate takes values

3

in the range [0, ], hence g = r sin

> 0. The quantity E = g is a tensor. According
8
to BBS (9.241) the Hodge dual forms are calculated with the help of formula
1
0
0
?(dx dx ) = E g0 g0 dx dx .
2
The factor 12 will be compensated after summation of (, ) indices. Due to positive-oriented
order of coordinates mentioned above (and due to the fact that in Euclidean space we can rise
all four indices of -symbol without change of the sign; while orientation is defined namely by
antisymmetric tensor with lower indices - volume form components) we have r = 1. Then
we get:


r
?(dr d) =
(sin2 + cos2 )d + cos d d;
2 sin
r
?(dr d) =
d (d + cos d);
2 sin
2
?(d d) =
dr (d + cos d).
r sin
Hence from BBS (9.25) it follows that
r2
r
r
sin d d dr d cos dr d.
4
2
2
Observe, that ?J = J, that is Kahler form of EH space is anti self-dual.
?J =

Problem 9.3
2-sphere S 2 is a Riemann surface, which is complex projective space CP 1 . The later is Kahler
space with Kahler potential, explored for general CP n in the solution of the Problem 9.4. For
the first map of CP 1 , with all points except infinitely distant point on complex plane one has
Kahler potential
K = ln(1 + z z).
82

So, the metric tensor on sphere has only two non-zero components, which due to symmetry of
metric on hermitian manifold (which Kahler manifold is) are equal to each other:
gzz = gzz = z zK =

1
.
(1 + z z)2

A known fact is that on a Kahler manifold Ricci tensor is given by components

Rbc = b c ln g,
which is here reduced to only one non-zero component
Rzz = Rzz =

2
.
(1 + z z)2

In analogous manner to Kahler form kab = Jac gcb , defined through Kahler metric and complex structure tensor (together with kab = Jacgbc ), we can naturally define Ricci form with
components antisymmetric in indices permutation. As a result we get Ricci form (see BBS
(9.278))
dz d
z
R = 2i
.
(1 + z z)2
Lets proceed to Chern class. First we integrate Ricci form over complex plane, going to
real coordinates and then to plane polar coordinates:
Z
Z
Z
rdr
dx dy
= 8
= 4.
R = 4
2
2
2
(1 + x + y )
(1 + r2 )2
Then according to BBS (9.279) one has c1 = 2.
Problem 9.4
Lets go a little bit different way from the one proposed on p. 369 BBS. Introduce Kahler
potential
n+1
X
a a

K(z , z ) = ln
z a za
a=1

before choosing an open set with some concrete non-zero z a . Observe that under CP n identification (z 1 , , z n+1 ) (z 1 , , z n+1 ) this potential changes by constant shift by ln , which
will not affect metric. As a consequence note that infinitesimally close to the point {z a } point
{z a }, where = 1 + , 0 have Kahler potential, which differ by coordinate-independent
constant (it holds for any , not necessary close to 1, but we want to find ds for equivalent
by -identification close points), and therefore the second differential between these values is
essentially zero, that signifies the zero value of distance between equivalent points:
"
!
#
n+1
n+1
X
X
b cK = b ln
z a za |1 + |2 ln
z a za = b ln |1 + |2 = 0.
a=1

a=1

Then the metric on CP n is given by

=
ds2 = K
83

f f 1

= (
z z )

zb dz b
dz a z a c c
z z

z d d
zd
d
z a za c c
z z

!
,

where weve made some additional step to get to this view of interval. Then on Kahler manifold
on each open submanifold with non-zero z a (with some particular a) one uses CP n identification
condition to set z a = 1, which in text (BBS p. 369) is described as transition to variables
b
wb = zza , b 6= a. Its naturally the same, up to a shift of Kahler potential by ln z a + ln za (this
shift - Kahler transformation - will not change the metric). Anyway, the Kahler potential will
be
!
X
K = ln 1 +
z b zb .
b6=a

Transition to other open sets (with different non-zero coordinate) will just shift Kahler potential
by a constant according to pointed above. One can also perform a permutation of coordinates,
to keep fixed coordinate always called z n+1 .
Problem 9.5
First of all note that if = 1 + i2 is a modular parameter of torus T 2 , then one can choose
two real coordinates 1 , 2 (also denoted as x and y in the solution of Ex. 9.9, which explores complex structure moduli space) with periods equal to 1, and define metric tensor, with
determinant equal to 1:


1 12 + 22 1
.
g=
1
1
2
This procedure was already mentioned in the solution of Problem 7.9. If one considers complex
coordinates z, z with z = 2 + 1 (and corresponding identifications z z + 1, z z + ),
one will get the length element
ds2 = 2gzzdzd
z
with gzz = 212 (correspondingly g zz = 22 ). Kahler form components are then: Jzz = i 212 and
Jzz = i 212 , Kahler form is given by equation
J = Jzzdz d
z=

i
dz d
z.
22

Introduce also antisymmetric B moduli field, being (1, 1)-form:

B = ibdz d
z.
This field has only one independent component, and was already employed in the solution of
Problem 7.12. Here it plays its role in complexification of Kahler form: J = B + iJ. General
expression BBS (9.127) for expansion of complexified Kahler form through basis (1, 1)-forms
now reduces to just one basis (1, 1)-form being dz d
z and correspondingly just one complex
coordinate w:
J = wdz d
z.
Decompose w = w1 + iw2 . Then
1
z=
J J = 2iJ = dz d
2
84

= 2w1 dz d
z,
therefore one concludes that w1 =

212 ,
J = iw1 dz d
z.

and
J = i(dw1 )dz d
z,
from which it follows that
gzz = dw1 .
Consider next
J + J = 2B = 2ibdz d
z=
= 2iw2 dz d
z,
therefore one concludes that w2 = b,
B = iw2 dz d
z.
and
B = i(dw2 )dz d
z,
from which it follows that
Bzz = idw2 .
Using second part of formula BBS (9.97) for Kahler structure moduli space metric we obtain
Z
1

2
g ab g cd (gadgcb BadBcb ) gd2 z =
ds =
2V
= 222 (dw12 + dw22 ) =

1
(dw12 + dw22 ),
2w12

where V = d2 z g.
Lets propose that Kahler structure moduli space potential is given by
Z 


Z
1
1
i
K = ln
J = ln
dz d
z .
4
4
22
Due to pointed above it follows that Kahler metric tensor has the sole non-zero component
which equals to
2K
1
= 22 =
.
w w
4w12
Indeed, for example it was used that
R

1
2i 2 dz d
z 2
K
1 w1
2
4
= i R
=
= 22 .
w
2 2
dz d
z w
22
Corresponding interval on Kahler structure moduli space is equal to
1
1

ds2 = 2 Kdwd
w =
dwdw =
(dw12 + dw22 ).
2
2w1
2w12
85

Problem 9.6
The solution of this problem is heavily based on the solution of Problem 7.12, mainly its third
and fourth parts (fourth part is actually the solution of the present problem itself, while third
part explains some details and introduces some definitions). Lets make the connection with
pointed on p. 388 BBS. Formula BBS (9.87) is written for rectangular torus with no B-field.
Indeed, according to Problem 7.12 we can use reparametrization invariance of torus surface to
eliminate two fields on it. We choose G12 component of metric to eliminate, together with
B12 - the sole non-zero component of B-field. Then complex parameters and (introduced
in the solution of Pr. 7.12), describing torus, reduce to

detG
, = i detG.
=i
G22
Here G = diag{R12 , R22 } is diagonal metric of rectangular torus with periods R1 and R2 , and
therefore these formulae are of the form BBS (9.87), with accuracy of redefinition R1 R2 ,
as its easy to check. Then mirror symmetry as explained in the solution of Pr. 7.12 is:
1) always reduced to that on rectangular torus; 2) is a duality transformation, which therefore
doesnt change spectrum of the string.
Problem 9.7
We are going to start the solution of this problem with procedure of fixation of metric gauge.
The thing is that metric transformations which can be represented as gmn = m n + n m are
actually transformations of metric associated with change of coordinates xm = m . Therefore,
D = 6 independent transformations of metric are purely gauge. We can fix them by imposing
m constraints
m = g kn m
(9.87)
kn = 0,
which always may be satisfied by proceeding to appropriate coordinate system (by definition
metric g kn on the r.h.s. of (9.87) is initial Ricci-flat Kahler metric, while connections are
constructed with the varied metric g + g). As soon as coordinate system is fixed, no metric
changes produced by more coordinate changes will be allowed. Indeed, (9.87) may be rewritten
in the form (of BBS (9.91)):
1
(9.88)
m gmn n gkk = 0,
2
where gmn is our initial Ricci-flat Kahler metric, which is used to construct connections and
covariant derivatives (the simplest way to prove this is to imagine, that our initial Ricci-flat
metric is actually flat, at least locally: gmn = mn = mn , which will highly simplify all formulae
with derivative of metric, expanded to the first order of g, for example, affine connections would
1 mp
be m
(hpn,k + hpk,n hnk,p ), and then return to real metric gmn , changing all partial
nk = 2
derivatives to covariant derivatives and assuming that indices are getting up and down with the
help of our initial Ricci-flat Kahler metric g mn ). If one conveniently defines hmn = gmn , then
one will get rational explanation of definition of gkk , provided after BBS (9.91): gkk = g km hmk .
If one then wants to satisfy (9.88), one first of all performs coordinate change to transform
D = 6 independent components of metric: hmn = m n + n m :
1
2 m = n hnm m hnn .
2
86

Having done this, one is able to perform actual (non-presentable as result of coordinate change)
moduli transformations of metric. Doing this in a locally flat coordinate system, and performing
transition to arbitrary coordinate system, as described above, one gets formula BBS (9.92).
Problem 9.8
Consider (2, 1)-form, given by BBS (9.96):

a
b
= abc g cd gd
z e.
e dz dz d

This form will be proved to be hamonic if one proves that gd

e are elements of harmonic form,

because 3-form is harmonic form of CY3 , and Kahler form J = igab dz a d

z b is closed.
Suppose now we perform a variation of complex structure of CY manifold. CY is complex
space, and therefore it possesses integrable complex structure: we can diagonalize complex
structure tensor on the whole manifold. In terms of complex coordinates it will be written as
Jba = iba (in holomorphic coordinates) and Jba = iba (in antiholomorphic coordinates). We
are interested in variations of complex structure Jnm = Jnm + nm (we are using real indices,
because for complex indices we are to determine whether they are holomorphic or not). We
assume that variation of complex structure still leaves manifold complex. Then two conditions
must be satisfied: first - condition of almost complex structure Jba Jcb = ca (and the same for
antiholomorphic case). So, for both (anti)holomorphic indices of variation of complex structure
tensor one has condition ba = 0, ba = 0 (for infinitesimal ). Therefore, the only possible case
for moduli variations of complex structure is constructed with the help of with indices of
different types. Second condition is that modified complex structure still must be integrable,
which is equivalent to vanishing of Nijenhuis tensor. Because of we started with complex
manifold, and therefore N -tensor was zero, then we must require vanishing of variation of
p
N -tensor. To compute this variation note that terms of the type [q Jn]
in the expression for
N -tensor vanish when they are not varied, because they will be proportional to derivative of
delta-symbol. Then, index structure of variation of N -tensor is different from index structure of
initial N -tensor, because variation of complex structure has index structure different from that
of starting complex structure. To determine this index structure more concretely one should
take into account the fact that only non-zero terms of variation of N -tensor are of the type
JJ J , where J has indices of the same type and has indices of opposite types. Then
one gets the following non-zero variations
N abc = i(b ca cba ),
and complex conjugate to this. Because complex structure J is a tensor, then ba is a tensor
too, then a may be viewed as antiholomorphic form (as (0, 1)-form). Vanishing of variation of
a = 0, that is a H 0,1 .
N -tensor then means
l
Because of gmn = Jm
kln , when J is infinitesimally varied, Kahler form k shouldnt be varied,
and therefore variation of metric will have index structure, opposite to that of initial metric.
Therefore terms of the type gab and gab have their origin in variation of complex structure
and are harmonic, because variation of complex structure is harmonic.
Problem 9.9
If one represents complex manifold M with 3 complex dimensions in terms of unification of
87

sets (AI , BI ), where AI and BI are (2, 1) and (1, 2) homology basic cycles, then to integrate
antisymmetrized product of (2, 1) and (1, 2) forms form over manifold one may use formula
BBS (9.116).
According to BBS (9.104), one has
Z
K2,1

e
= i .
With the help of BBS (9.107), (9.109), (9.116) one easily proves BBS (9.117).
Problem 9.10
Formula BBS (9.132) for Kahler potential on moduli space of CY Kahler structure J will
agree with the formula BBS (9.129) for the same matter, if they differ by constant multiplier.
Indeed, in that case Kahler potential K1,1 will be just shifted by a constant, which will have
no affection on metric. Observe, that for real basis {e } of (1, 1)-forms in the space of moduli
transformations of Kahler structure one has formula BBS (9.127), which gives expressions
J
J
(remember that (1, 1)-forms are real). Use these expressions while
e = w
, and e = w

differentiating prepotential G(w), given by BBS (9.131). For example:

1,1

h
X
=1

G(w)
w
w

1
=
2w0

J J J .

Complex conjugation gives second set of summarized terms in r.h.s. of BBS (9.132). This will
give

h1,1 
X

G(w)
G(w)
i
w
w
=
w
w
=1
Z
Z
= J J J + B J B.
At the same time one has auxiliary term w0 in the sum:



0 G(w)
0 G(w)
w
=
i w
w 0
w0
Z
= B J B.
Altogether one has
1,1


h
X
A=0

G(w)

wA
A
w

G(w)
w A
wA

Z
=

J J J,

which according to pointed above agrees with BBS (9.129).

In this solution it was used the fact, that for for 2-forms it takes place B J = J B.
Problem 9.11
From BBS (9.117) formula for Kahler potential of complex-structure moduli space of CY manifold and formula BBS (9.142) for dual singular first coordinate on this moduli space, it follows
88

formula BBS (9.143), describing corresponding term in Kahler potential:

K ln |X 1 |2 ln |X 1 |2 ,
which allows us to find corresponding component G11 of metric of moduli space:
G11 = 1 1 K

1
|X 1 |2 (ln |X 1 |2 )2

which is singular if X 1 0, because power function is faster, then logarithm, as, b.t.w., may
be easily demonstrated using the fact, that limit of fraction of smooth functions is equal to
limit of fraction of their derivatives.
Problem 9.12
Technics applied here are similar to that used for exploration of -symmetry of GS superstring
in Chapter 5. We are going to start with derivation of useful identity on -matrices, with the
help of simple intuitive method like that used in the solution of Problem 5.6. Such a method is
independent of dimension of space-time, then it doesnt matter that we were dealing with tendimensional superstring theory in Ch. 5 and we are dealing with eleven-dimensional M-theory
now. The formula to be derived is
{M N P , M 0 N 0 P 0 } =
= 2(M M 0 N N 0 P P 0
M M 0 N P 0 P N 0 +
+M P 0 N M 0 P N 0
M P 0 N N 0 P M 0 +
+M N 0 N P 0 P M 0
M N 0 N M 0 P P 0 ) +
+2M N P M 0 N 0 P 0 .

(9.89)

This formula may be proved by substitution of particular sets of ((M, N, P ), (M 0 , N 0 , P 0 )) to

be ((0, 1, 2), (0, 1, 2)), ((0, 1, 2), (0, 2, 1)), and so on, to make one of first six terms in r.h.s. of
(9.89) non-zero and others zero (the last term will be zero too due to antisymmetrization of
equal indices).
Now, define operator through BBS (9.146) and


i
1
1 .
P =
2
6
To explore features of projector operators, one shall find 2 :
0 0 0

2 = ( X M X N X P )( 0 X M 0 X N 0 X P )M N P M 0 N 0 P 0 ,

(9.90)

namely one must show, that 2 = 36. Its convenient to represent 2 = 21 {, }, to get
anticommutator of M N P matrices and use formula (9.89). Then note that the last term in
89

r.h.s. of (9.89) doesnt contribute to 2 , because M N P M 0 N 0 P 0 is antisymmetric in permutations

of (M, N, P ) and (M 0 , N 0 , P 0 ), but two multipliers in round brackets in (9.90) are symmetric.
Finally note that according to definition of determinant, for matrix G = M N X M X N
one has determinant G satisfying equation
0 0 0

3!G = G0 G 0 G 0 .
The square root of this determinant is assumed to be present in denominator of tensor .
Therefore, when we calculate 2 , due to (9.89) we get six equal to each other terms 2 3!.
Factor 2 compensates factor 12 from 12 {, }. Therefore what remains is 2 = 36.
The rest of the solution is obvious, because now its evidently that (P+ )2 = P+ , (P )2 = P ,
P+ P = 0.
Problem 9.14
Moduli variations of complex structure should lead to tensor which still will be complex structure and which will lead to vanishing of Nijenhuis tensor. Therefore it may be shown that

variations of complex structure are given by tensor ab , which is a closed (1, 0)-form for each
value of index b. The proof was presented in the soluion of Problem 9.8.
With the help of metric tensor we can make both indices of lower and denote the resulting
tensor as ab to make contact with BBS (9.172). Because of metric tensor on Kahler manifold
is expressed through Kahler form k and complex structure J in a way gmn kmk J kn , then
variation of metric, which follows from variation of complex structure, is given by

gab = ac g cd kbd + (a b),

where g cd is introduced to make covariant contractions of indices, and a b is used to make

variation of metric symmetric in permutation of indices. Because of on Kahler manifold, which
is a complex manifold, one has Jba = iba , then kab = igab , and therefore

gab iac g cd gbd + ibc g cd gad = iab + iba = 0.

Observe the difference with three-dimensional CY manifolds, where therere no (2, 0)-forms.
Problem 9.15
In D = 6 space-time anomaly form is I8 , as explained on page 173 BBS. To cancel anomalies
we should be able to introduce local counterterm of the type BBS (5.135), where in our particular case Y8 8-form is to be replaced by Y4 4-form. Returning to our (D + 2)-anomaly form
we conclude, using descent equations BBS (5.106), (5.107), that anomaly form I8 has to be
factorizable into two 4-form parts.
From equations BBS (5.112), (5.114), (5.116), and equations provided in the solution of Ex.
5.9 for fermionic anomaly forms, one summarizes that non-factorizable terms of 8-forms are
IA (R) =
I1/2 (R) =

7
trR4
8 180

1
trR4
32 180

self-dual tensor;
left-handed Weyl spinor;

90

(9.91)
(9.92)

49
trR4
left-handed gravitino.
(9.93)
128 9
Chiral content of N = 2, D = 6 type-II supergravity is five self-dual antisymmetric tensors
and two left-handed gravitino. Chiral content of tensor multiplet of the same supersymmetry is
anti-self-dual antisymmetric tensor and two right-handed Weyl spinors. Therefore for 21 tensor
multiplets and supergravity multiplet non-factorizable 8-form term is
I3/2 (R) =

16IA (R) + 2I3/2 (R) 42I1/2 (R).

(9.94)

With the help of (9.91), (9.92) and (9.93) one easily shows, that 8-form (9.94) cancels out.
Problem 9.16
Kinetic term of field of the action BBS (9.189) on complex plane in terms of conformal
coordinates is
Z
+

S = 4
d2 z.
( )2
Here conformal p
factor is eliminated from the action, because its inverse from g zz cancels out
with that from |g|. Lagrange equations obviously give:
+

2
= 0.

Obviously for holomorphic this variation vanishes.

Problem 9.18
Consider 3-form
= dy 123 + dy 145 + dy 167 + dy 246 dy 257 dy 347 dy 356 ,
where fundamental 3-forms are
dy ijk = dy i dy j dy k .
The form is obviously preserved by action of , and transformations, given by equations BBS (9.215)-(9.217). Its also apparently that 2 = 2 = 2 = 1 and that different
transformations commute with each other.
Lets study fixed points of , acting on T 7 . First of all notice that coordinates (y 1 , y 2 , y 3 )
are all fixed (similar triplets exist for and too) and form subspace T 3 . The rest subspace
of T 7 is T 4 = T 2 T 2 , where each T 2 may be covered by complex coordinate: one with
z 1 = y 4 + iy 5 and the other one with z 2 = y 6 + iy 7 . Then observe that has on these tori fixed
(these are
points when one of complex coordinates za equals to one of four values 0, 21 , 2i , 1+i
2
all fixed points on torus, which are not equivalent to each other by torus similarity factorization
of complex plane). Therefore therere 42 = 16 fixed points of T 2 T 2 and therefore fixed space
7
of action on T 7 is 16 copies of T 3 . Exactly the same fixed points of T 4 = TT 3 with fixed T 3
as for take place for and , therefore each of them has fixed tori T 3 too. At the same
time, points which are fixed for are not fixed for and , and so on. The crucial fact here is
presence of y 12 y transformations.
91

Problem 9.19
Consider 3-cycle with coordinates , = 1, 2, 3 on it in D = 7 manifold with G2 holonomy.
Then according to BBS (9.144)-(9.148), condition of supersymmetry preservation by this 3cycle is given by equation BBS (9.218). Here we study 3-cycle in M7 , not M4 = M11 /M7 ,
therefore with proper indices BBS (9.218) is to be rewritten as


i
1
m
n
p
1 X X X mnp = 0.
(9.95)
P =
2
6
Here m, n, p are inner space (that is G2 -holonomy 7-manifold) indices, and mnp are D = 7
Clifford algebra elements.
Spinor in D = 7 can be made neither Majorana nor Weyl. But it can be chosen covariantly
constant, which will mean that it transforms trivially under action of G2 holonomy (singlet of
decomposition 8 = 7 + 1 of spin of Spin(7) - largest holonomy of D = 7 manifold - where 7
indicates action of Spin(7) subgroup G2 , which is actual holonomy group here). With the help
of such spinor one is able to construct 3-form with elements mnp = T mnp , which will be
covariantly constant and play role of associative calibration, defined in equation BBS (9.214).
Preserved by compactification on M7 supersymmetry transformations are performed with
the help of covariantly constant on M7 spinor , which will signify its belonging to singlet part
of G2 holonomy. Now multiplying (9.95) by T from the left side, such that normalization
condition T = 1 takes place, and defining mnp = i T mnp , one gets equation
[ X m X n ] X p mnp = .
The case of 4-cycle is treated in a similar manner. One first deduces equation BBS (9.220)
(applied for M7 ). Then one multiplies it by T from the left side. These will give a 4-form
mnpq T mnpq , which is covariantly constant, as soon as is. Therefore this form may be

expressed as dual to associative calibration form , because dualization will be provided with
absolutely-anisymmetric tensor, proportional to volume form, which is covariantly constant.
Contraction of covariantly constant form with covariantly constant volume form will give
?. The rest of derivation is provided in a similar manner to
covariantly constant form
that of BBS (9.219).
Problem 9.21
Our aim is to compound independent equations which will describe constraints on parameters
aij of SO(8) transformations following from condition of invariancy of the form , given by
BBS (9.224). In this solution we describe how to find coefficient of some form dy ijkl which is
variation of other forms under y i = aij y k . For example, pick up form 1254 (short notation
for dy 1254 ). This form will be proportional to variation of some terms of form , if that terms
are forms, which differ from given one only by one index. Coefficient of proportionality will
be appropriate sign of aij , where indices of parameter a are a couple of distinct indices of
varied form and result of variation. For example, 1234 is first term of , and it is to be varied:
(1234) = a35 (1254) + . . . , where we omit other terms because we are looking for 1254-type
form. Therere 4 indices, which may differ from 1254 while other three are the same. Therefore
the number of coefficient terms in front of each form will be equal to four. Our case gives
a35 + a64 + a82 a71 = 0.
92

To get the number of linearly independent equations one shall find the number of ways to
construct equations of this type with four terms, such that all a-parameters are different in
all equations. Therere 28 parameters in SO(8), and therefore the number of independent
equations is equal to 28
= 7, which is equal to difference in number of parameters of SO(8)
4
and SO(7) (this is not a surprise, while we start with larger SO(2k) group and take k-form for
calibration of SO(2k 1)). Altogether we have the following system:
a35 + a64 + a82 a71 = 0,

a36 a54 + a72 + a81 = 0,

a37 + a84 a62 + a51 = 0,

a38 a74 a52 a61 = 0,

a31 a68 a75 + a42 = 0,

a34 a78 + a65 a21 = 0,

a14 a23 a58 a76 = 0.

10

Flux compactifications

Problem 10.1
Actually, some calculations about transformation of spinor covariant derivative under metric
conformal transformations were already performed in the solution of Problem 8.8. But we will
repeat them here (in kind of different notation) for reasons pointed bellow. Local conformal
transformation of metric gM N = 2 gM N may be reformulated as transformation of elfbein
A
A
, for inverse elfbein this transformation looks like EAM = 1 EAM . According to
= EM
EM
formula GSW (12.1.5) (or BBS (8.19), (8.20)) for spin connection one then has
AB
AB
A

M
AB = M
AB 1 E N A EM
(N )AB .

According to GSW (12.1.6) (or BBS (8.18)) one then results in

M = M + 1 1 (N )M N .

(10.96)

Covariant and partial derivatives of scalar are equivalent to each other.

Now we shall apply our result to derive formulae BBS (10.18). Its not straightforward for
the case of first formula of BBS (10.18), because conformal rescaling factor, which is a power
of , depends only on internal coordinates, therefore first formula mixes indices m and and
uses both conformal factors 1 = 1/2 and 2 = 1/4 . As for second formula, we deal only
with 2 and formula (10.96) gives:
m = m + 1 1 (n )m n =

8
1
= m + 1 (n )(1 m n ).
8
Note, that for -matrices one should use formulae BBS (10.8)without conformal factors - in old
basis of elfbeins.

93

Now, after weve figured out this simplest example, lets consider the first case. Keeping
only derivatives of i by internal coordinates in formula GSW (12.1.5), we will get
nA B
AB
AB = AB AB 1
E (n 1 )AB
2 E

B
mB
AB E nA 1
1
(n 1 )EC EC 1 + 1
(n 2 )EmC EC 1 ,
2
1 E
2 E
where the last term vanishes, because it contains contraction EmC EC = gm = 0. Then, after
simplification, one gets
7
AB
AB = AB AB 4 ,n n
Using mentioned above formula
1
= + AB AB
4
for covariant derivative of spinor, and substituting expressions for factorized gamma-matrices
one results in first formula BBS (10.18).
Problem 10.2
If = 1/4 , then
1
m + 1 (m ) = 1/4 m ,
4
and therefore BBS (10.26) gives
m = 3/4 Fm .
In Majorana representation -matrices are real and symmetric, and spinors are real. Therefore, because of due to definition BBS (10.21) one has FT
m = Fm , then
m = m T = 3/4 T Fm .
Therefore
m Jn

= m (i T n

) = i3/4 T (Fm n

Fm ).

(10.97)

Because of internal spinors are commuting and matrix

Fm n

Fm

is obviously antisymmetric, then according to (10.97) one results in

m Jn

= 0.

Problem 10.4
In the text formulae BBS (10.23), (10.26) were derived for positive-chirality D = 8 spinor :
9 = . In this problem we deal with non-chiral spinor (in D = 8 its Majorana spinor, which
is a sum of two spinors with opposite chirality), which makes it necessary to retrieve where
matrix 9 occurs in generalization of formula BBS (10.26). At the same time we assume that
BBS (10.24)-(10.25) are valid for positive- and negative-chirality spinors separately.

94

Now observe that according to the first formula in the solution of Ex. 10.2, in the case of
self-dual 4-form F (on internal manifold) for positive-chirality spinor + one has
Fm Fm + = 2F2 +
Therefore due to BBS (10.24) one gets
Fm + = 0.

(10.98)

Condition for unbroken supersymmetry for internal-indices variation is (see BBS (10.4),
(10.18.2))


1
1
m + 1 (n )(1 mn ) +
m F(4) 3F(4)
m = 0.
8
12
In what follows we first of all employ BBS (10.14), (10.20.1), (10.20.3), (10.8) and then constraints BBS (10.24), (10.25) deduced from independent requirement of supersymmetry, then
equation
n
,
mn = m n m
which will lead us to (as soon as in D = 3 2-component spinor is Majoarana and considered
here is Majorana too, we dont have any complex conjugate terms in what follows)


1 1
n
0 = m + (n )m +
8


1
3/4 (1 m F) + 3/2 (1 m 9 f ) + 33/2 fm (1 9 ) 33/4 (1 Fm ) ( ) =
12


 
1 1
1 1
3 1
1 3/4
n
n
= m +
(n )m m 9 n + (m )9
Fm =
8
8
8
4
 


1 1
1 1
1 3/4
(m )(1 9 ) (m ) (39 1) +
Fm .
= m
8
8
4
+

Multiply last equation by P (which will give + in the last term of r.h.s. of the last equation);
then due to (10.98) this equation reduces to
3
m 1 (m ) = 0,
4
which after rescaling = 3/4 may be rewritten as
m = 0.
Multiplication of our internal supersymmetry constraint equation by P+ will give
1
1
m + + 1 (m )+ 3/4 Fm = 0.
4
4
After rescaling + = 1/4 + this will give us
1
m + 3/4 Fm = 0.
4
95

Problem 10.8
Cosmological constant adds the term
Z
S =

d10 x G

to the action BBS (10.75). This term shows itself in Einstein equations as additional term in
energy-momentum tensor BBS (10.83):
TM N = GM N .

(10.99)

As one can see, transition BBS (10.84) BBS (10.85) affects right-hand matter side by multiplication by minus factor together with some exponential e2A factor, coming from metric
ansatz BBS (10.80). In our case of additional energy-momentum tensor term (10.99) one shall
add positive term e2A to r.h.s. of BBS (10.85). Then one proceeds in a trivial way to
equation, analogous to BBS (10.86) with additional positive term on the r.h.s., which will not
change therefore the line of contemplations, applied to BBS (10.86) to prove vanishing of fluxes
and trivialization of warp factor.
Problem 10.9
We are on Calabi-Yau three-fold CY3 and we want to construct D = 4 potential of field G3
via method of Kaluza-Klein reduction. It means that we take G3 -term from the action BBS
(10.75)
Z

1
|G3 |2
(10.100)
S = 2 d10 x G
4
Im
and perform integration over internal manifold CY3 (which will eliminate all Kaluza-Klein
excitations leaving us with only zero modes):
Z

S = d4 x g4 V,
where scalar potential for moduli field has the form (according to problem statement complex
dilation field is constant and may be taken out of integral):
Z
1

V= 2
d6 x g6 |G3 |2 .
4 Im
Now observe that because 3-form G3 is imaginary self-dual on 6-manifold (see BBS (10.97)),
then
Z
Z
Z
6
2
3 = i G3 G
3.
d x g6 |G3 | = G3 ?G
Therefore scalar potential is given by
i
V= 2
4 Im

3.
G3 G

Then note that among harmonic 3-forms on CY3 we have only , and conjugate to them.
Flux form G3 is harmonic (on-shell) and its also imaginary self-dual. Therefore, according to
96

table on p. 487 BBS, we are able to expand G3 in terms of imaginary self-dual forms and

:
+ B .
G3 = A
(10.101)
Introduce complex-structure moduli metric
R

G = R
.

Then integrating wedge product of (10.101) with over CY3 one finds:
Z
Z
Z

G3 = B
= B G
and therefore

B = G

R
G
R 3
.

Integrating wedge product of (10.101) with over CY3 gives

R
G3
A=R
.

Therefore we obtain the following expansion:

 Z

Z
1

G3 = R
G3 + G G3 .

We use this formula to calculate


Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
1

+G G
3
3

3 = R
G3 G
G3 G
G3 G


2

Z

Z
Z
Z
1

R
=
G3 G3 + G
G3 G3 ,
(10.102)

and B B-types

where obviously only AAof terms

R have survived.
According to BBS (10.101) we know that G3 = W . Using BBS (9.103), (10.103),
(10.105) (the later with just first equality, without equality to zero) we can also easily figure
out that
Z
D W = G3 .
But integration over CY3 in r.h.s. of the last
R equation is impossible, because G3 is expanded
3 to superpotential W , which anyway was
along , not . Therefore we add term G
assumed in the text - see BBS (10.108) - and which will have no additional affection on further
computations. As a result we will get
Z
3.
D W = G
This is what we now can employ in (10.102).
97

According to BBS (10.102), (10.103) we have Kahler metric for and moduli space with
components:
1
G =
G = ( )2 ,
( )2
G =

( )2
3

G
=

( )2
3

And due to BBS (10.105) (again, just formula for Da W , not extremal condition) we have
W
,

= W ,
D W

3W
,

Therefore we have the following identity:

= 3W .
DW

D W =

D W =

+ G D W DW
3|W |2 = 4|W 2 | 3|W |2 = |W |2 .
G D W D W
Due to BBS (10.101) this equals to
Z

Z
G3

which occurs in nominator of (10.102).

Collecting all results together we obtain


i
1
2
ab

R
V= 2
G Da W Db W 3|W | ,
4 Im
where a = , , . Finally note, that from BBS (10.103) it follows that
eK( ) =
Therefore
V=

1
,
2Im

eK(z

1
= R
.
i


1 K(z )+K( )  ab
3|W |2 ,
e
G
D
W
D
b W
a
22

Problem 10.10
Lets use homology (3, 1)-cycle on Calabi-Yau four-fold M (assuming its non-zero, which
according
to Poincare duality is valid if F 1,3 6= 0) to define moduli space coordinate X =
R
K/2
e
, where is (4, 0) + (3, 1) form, and Kahler potential on complex structure moduli

space is given by
Z

K = ln .
If is corresponding (1, 3)-cycle, then we can define coordinate H = eK/2
Z
Z
K/2
K/2
Z=e
=e
F ,

98

Define
.

where weve used Poincare duality between and F . Using BBS (9.116) (and BBS (9.106),
which excludes all extra terms from summation there) we obtain
Z
Z
Z Z 
K/2
Z=e
F F = X.

One easily observes now that

|Z|2 = R

|2
2
= |X|

is extremal at X = 0, where it equals to zero.

If (1, 3) cohomology is zero, then according to Poincare duality (3, 1) homology cycle just
shrinks to zero size.
Problem 10.11
From expression of Cristoffel connection through metric tensor
1 MK
(P GKN + N GKP K GN P )
M
NP = G
2
and tensor transformation law for GM N one may easily derive non-tensor transformation of
Cristoffel onnection:
0

0
M
N 0P 0

xM
2 xS
xM xN xP M

+
.
=
xM xN 0 xP 0 N P
xS xN 0 xP 0

(10.103)

Therefore torsion (see BBS (10.197))

M
TNMP = M
N P P N

transforms as a tensor, because non-tensor part of (10.103) cancels out.

Note that according to some definition Cristoffel connection may be assumed to be symmetric in its lower indices. In that case we can construct some different affine connection, which
will be equal to Cristoffel connection plus the half of the torsion.
Problem 10.12
As its suggested on BBS p. 483 to get negative term on r.h.s. of BBS (10.86) we are to add
term (0 )2 of the higher order of string (0 ) perturbation theory to effective D7-brane action
BBS (10.90). This term occurs to be equal to
Z
4 p1 (R)
0 2
,
(10.104)
Sloc = ( ) T7
C4
3
R4
where C4 is type-IIB gauge field. Due to pointed out on pp. 233-234 BBS or Polchinski 8.7
Tp1

we have the relation Tp = 2

between tension of Dp-branes. According to BPS condition
0
p Tp which for p = 3 in Einstein frame is 3 = T3 , we then have 3 = (2)4 (0 )2 T7 , and
therefore we can re-express our correction to local source action as BBS (10.91). Then we
substitute expression BBS (10.51) for first Pontryagin class into (10.104), which will give
Z
T7
0 2
Sloc = (2 )
C4 tr(R2 ).
96
R4
99

Corresponding correction to r.h.s. of equation BBS (10.86) is given by BBS (10.87) with account
to BBS (10.88), (10.89). Then note that
tr(R2 ) = d3 ,
where 3 = tr( d + 23 ) is Chern-Simons 3-form, where is spin connection gauge
form (see e.g. solution of Problem 5.9 here), and therefore the term
d3 =

1
(d3 )mnpq (dxm dxn dxp dxq ).
4!

wont give contribution to variation by metric tensor. We then have

C4 trR2 =

1
(d3 )C dx dx dx dx ,
4!

where due to ansatz BBS (10.80) mixed components of tr(R2 ) and C4 obviously vanish and
due to BBS (10.81), following from D = 4 space-time manifold being Poincare invariant,
components of 4-form C4 along internal manifold vanish. Symmetry considerations also require

C = C(y)E = g4 C(y) for components of C4 , where C(y) is a scalar on internal

manifold (y xm ), which we set C(y) = 1 for further convenience. We then have

C4 trR2 = g4 d4 xd3 .
Due to pointed here in variation by external metric takes part only
Z

d4 x g4 = g ,

g4 g
while variation by internal metric vanishes. As a result energy-momentum tensor is given by
Z
T7
0 2
T = (2 ) g
d3 ,
96

therefore due to BBS (10.88) one has

Jloc

T7
= (20 )2
96

Z
d3 .

Problem 10.13
According to BBS (10.119), (10.124) metric on conifold is given by
ds2 = dr2 +

4
r2 5 2 r2 X i 2
(g ) .
(g ) +
9
6 i=1

Then we know that conifold is a complex manifold, because it was originally presented as
hypersurface in C 4 by equation BBS (10.117). Conifold describes a conical singularity parts of
Calabi-Yau three-folds, therefore conifold is Kahler. According to BBS (9.269) we can introduce
100

Kahler form on it. First we are to determine metric components in complex coordinates. Lets
define complex coordinates (z1 , z2 , z3 ) by the following formulae:
i
dz1 = dr + rg 5 ,
3
dz2 = g 2 + ig 3 ,
dz3 = g 4 + ig 1 .
Then metric may be rewritten as
r2
r2
ds = dz1 d
z1 + dz2 d
z2 + dz3 d
z3 ,
6
6
2

r
r
, g33 = 12
and complex conjugate to
the non-zero metric components are g11 = 12 , g22 = 12
them (see BBS (9.266)). Kahler form elements are given by Jab = igab , and complex conjugate
to them Jab = igab = i(gab )? . Kahler form is then given by


r2
r2
i
a
b
dz1 d
z1 + dz2 d
z2 + dz3 d
z3 .
J = igab dz d
z =
2
6
6

Substitute formulae for zi :

2r
r2 2
5
J = dr g +
g g3 + g4 g1 .
3
3

(10.105)

Using formulae BBS (10.122), formula (10.105) may be rewritten as

J=

r2
2r
dr g 5 + (e2 e1 + e3 e4 ).
3
3

Then note that formulae BBS (10.133), (10.135) make G3 imaginary self-dual. Therefore
primitivity condition ?G3 J = 0 may be checked as G3 J = 0. Lets aim to rewrite 2 in
terms of dr, g i forms, to get G3 expressed through them too. To do it one have to use BBS
(10.122), (10.123) (10.134), which gives 2 = 21 (g 1 g 2 + g 3 g 4 ). Therefore (we use BBS
(10.77) with C0 = 0 and gs = e , as its assumed on pp. 491-492 BBS)




3i
M 0
5
G3 =
g dr g 1 g 2 + g 3 g 4 .
4
r
Now its obvious task to check primitivity of G3 : each term of wedge product G3 J contains
some basic 1-form twice.
Problem 10.14
We are to find a for which equality
?H = ea d(ea J)
holds.
101

From BBS (10.220) we know that H is (2, 1) + (1, 2)-form, expressed through fundamental
form according to formula Habc = 2i[a Jb]c . Here factor 2 arose from antisymmetrization in
[m Jb]c , which replaced that tensor without any antisymmetrization, as it naturally arises from
BBS (10.220). We perform antisymmetrization only among either holomorphic or antiholomorphic indices, but not between them, and insert factors p!1 corresponding to antisymmetrization
of p indices. Square brackets assume antisymmetrization, which also assumes corresponding
factor p!1 . Finally, all (2, 1) components Habc , Hacb , Hcab make the same impact on H, and
therefore expansion of H in basis of 3-forms dz a dz b d
z c contains Habc 3 times, if other
2 terms are omitted. We assume that antisymmetrization (which is that between holomorphic and antiholomorphic indices) was already performed, and corresponding factor 31 canceled
factor 3. Therefore
1
z c + c.c.
H = Habc dz a dz b d
2
If one substitutes now Habc = 2i[a Jb]c mentioned above, one will get first term of BBS (10.220)
(where differentiation doesnt bring 2!-related factor, as its also pointed above). We will not
write c.c. in what follows for shortness.
Hodge dual form is given by
1
z c) =
?H = Habc ? (dz a dz b d
2
1
1

= Habc E abcdef gdk gme gnfdz m dz n d

zk .
2
2
All indices are complex: holomorphic or antiholomorphic. Antisymmetric tensor equals to

E abcdef = E abdcef = i(g ac g be g df permutations),

where we fix, e.g., all holomorphic indices and permutate antiholomorphic. Then one can easily
figure out that

(g ac g be g df permutations)gdk gme gnf =

b]

[a b]
= 2(2g c[a [m gn]k + kcm
n ).

We can use it to proceed with our calculation of ?H. Inserting also expression of H-form
components through fundamental form, pointed above, we will get:
1

b]
[a b]
n )dz m dz n d
zk .
?H = [a Jb]c (2g c[a [m gn]k + kcm
2
We cant use metric tensor to rise and lower indices under the sign of partial derivative, but we
can take that indices out of sign of partial derivative using antisymmetrization property. That
indeed occurs in all cases of our interest:
?H =

1

2gnk [c Jm]c + [m Jn]k dz m dz n d

zk =
2

= gmk [c Jn]c dz m dz n d
z k [m Jn]k dz m dz n d
zk =
2

= gmk [c Jn]c dz m dz n d
z k dJ.
102

From the other side

ea d(ea J) = ad J dJ.
According to BBS (10.221)
1
d = g bc Hmbc dz m = ig bc [m Jb]c dz m .
2
Therefore

zk =
d J = [m Jb]c Jnk g bc dz m dz n d
2
i

= ignk g bc [b Jm]c dz m dz n d
zk =
2
1

= gmk [c Jn]c dz m dz n d
zk .
2
Now one can clearly see that it should be a = 2.
Problem 10.15
In this problem we are to verify formulae BBS (10.170), (10.173), (10.176) and (10.177). First
two formulae are trivial consequence of things pointed on p. 500 BBS, while the last two
formulae may be obtained in a way similar to that used in the solution of Problem 10.9.
Anyway, on page 469 BBS it was pointed out an important alteration property of sign of
Hodge dual of the form from Lefschetz decomposition. In application to Lefschetz decomposition of F 2,2 , which is provided by BBS (10.169), it means that first and third forms in r.h.s. of
BBS (10.169) are self-dual while second is anti self-dual. Therefore
?F 2,2 = F02,2 J F01,1 + J J F00,0 ,
which obviously assumes BBS (10.170). Using the result of Ex. 10.4 one gets in a similar way
BBS (10.172). Then due to obvious even-rank form property F 3,1 F 1,3 = F 1,3 F 3,1 one
immediately gets BBS (10.173).
Introduce Kahler potential BBS (10.64)
Z

3,1

K = log

(10.106)
and corresponding metric
R
I J
GI J = R

on complex structure moduli space. Note, that Kahler potential doesnt contain factor i inside
logarithm, which was the case when we were dealing with 3-form on CY3 to achieve reality
=
and we dont need
of Kahler potential and hermicity of Kahler metric. Now
any i.
Suppose we have h3,1 basic I (3, 1)-forms. Then we can make an expansion
F 3,1 = AI I .

103

Making wedge product of both sides of the last equality with J after integration the result
over the whole CY4 and taking into account formula for Kahler moduli space metric one gets
R 3,1
F J

F 3,1 = GI J I R
.

In a similar way one easily gets (again, remember that 4-forms wedge-commute)
R 1,3
F K

1,3
KL
F = G L R
.

Then we can calculate the value of

Z
Z
Z
1

3,1
1,3
I
J
3,1
F F = R
F J F 1,3 I .
G

According to the moduli sense of Kahler covariant derivative, which is shown by BBS (9.122),
one has DI = I . Therefore due to expression for superpotential (appropriately normalized)
Z
1,3
W = F 1,3 ,
one gets:
Z

1
I J
1,3
1,3
G DI W DJW .

R
= eK3,1 , therefore
From equation (10.106) one gets expression
Z
3,1

1,3 .
F 3,1 F 1,3 = eK GI J DI W 1,3 DJW
F 3,1 F 1,3 = R

Problem 10.17
From BBS (10.247) it follows gravitational part of low-energy effective action of the form
Z
p
1
(10.107)
d11 x |g|R,
S= 2
211
which in the standard form with Newton constant after compactification to four dimensions
has the view
Z
p
1
S=
d4 x |g|R.
(10.108)
16G4
Simple reduction of action (10.107) to four dimensions gives additional multiplier (d)V for
four-dimensional action. Comparing to (10.108) implies
G4 =

211
.
8 2 Vd

In a similar way, when we have to perform only V-reduction of ten-dimensional theory on the
boundary, we can compare gauge actions: from BBS (10.247) it follows
Z
p
1
10
S=
d
x
|g||F |2
8(4211 )2/3
104

8(4211 )2/3

d4 x

p
|g||F |2 ;

and its to be compared to

1
S=
16U
The result is
U =

p
d4 x |g||F |2 .

(4211 )2/3
.
2V

Problem 10.18
Vanishing of supersymmetry variation of dilatino requires
1
1
(/ ) + H = 0.
2
4
We have decomposition of chiral spinor parameter of susy transformation:
= + + + .
Non-zero flux components and dilaton derivatives are given by BBS (10.202). Then according
to -matrices decomposition BBS (10.209) one gets
(/ ) = (m )(5 m )(+ + + ) =
= (m )(+ ( m + ) ( m )) =
= (a )(+ ( a + )) (a )( ( a )),
where in the last line we used chirality condition for spinors on internal manifold (pointed, e.g.,
on the top of p. 514 BBS);
and
1
1
H = HMNP MNP = Hmnp mnp =
3!
3!
1
= Hmnp (5 mnp )(+ + + ) =
3!
1

= (3Habc (+ ( abc + )) 3Habc ( ( abc )),

3!
where in the last line weve used the fact that according to BBS (10.220) 3-form H has complex
structure (2, 1) + (1, 2). Then summarizing some results we get
1
2(b )( b + ) + Habc abc + = 0
2
and complex conjugate to it.
Finally, as soon as for chiral spinor on internal manifold we have a + = 0, then we obtain
abc + = 2(g ab c g ac b )+ .
Using this result one finally gets
1
a = Habc g bc .
2
105

Problem 10.19
This is just a routine. We will follow the line of calculations in S. Weinberg Cosmology,
mostly paragraph 1.5.
Einstein equations look like
1
R = 2 S ,
MP
where reduced Planck mass is defined as MP = (8G)1/2 . Ricci tensor is given by
R = + ,
and it was introduced tensor, constructed out of energy-momentum tensor:
1
S = T g T .
2
Cristoffel connection is given by
1
= g (g, + g, g, ).
2
For FRW ansatz BBS (10.265) it obviously means
00 = 000 = 0,
which in a less trivial but also simple way may be accompanied with elements
0ij = aa
gij ,
a
i0j = ji ,
a
i
i
jl = k
jl =
gjl xi ,

(10.109)

where tilde denotes purely spatial values without a(t) factor; spatial metric is given by
gij = ij + k

xi xj
,
1 kx2

where xi are 3 flat coordinates of D = 4 (pseudo-)Euclidean flat space, in which D = 3 spatial

subspace of D = 4 FRW space-time is embedded as hypersurface. If its a flat case (k = 0),
then xi are just coordinates of D = 3 Euclidean space. In the case of hypersphere (k = 1) xi
are spatial coordinates of D = 4 pseudo-Euclidean space with line element ds2 = dz 02 dx02 ,
0i
where z 02 x02 = a2 gives our spatial part of FRW space, and xi = xa are dimensionless
coordinates used in notation above. Finally in spherical case we deal with D = 4 Euclidean
space and study hypersurface z 02 + x02 = a2 . Also note that ij is metric tensor of Euclidean
space (in flat coordinates). Then we can calculate connection-related elements:
 
d
d a
0
i
t ij = gij (aa),

t i0 = 3
,
(10.110)
dt
dt a
and
0ik kj0

= gij a ,

0ij l0l

= 3
gij a ,
106

i0j ji0

 2
a
=3
,
a

(10.111)

and Ricci tensor components

ij t 0 + 0 k + k 0 0 l ,
Rij = R
ij
ik j0
i0 jk
ij 0l
R00 = t ii0 + i0j j0i ,
which according to (10.110) and (10.111) may be rewritten as
ij 2a 2 gij a
Rij = R
agij ,
R00

d
=3
dt

(10.112)

 
 2
a
a
a

+3
=3 .
a
a
a

ij at x = 0:
Using (10.109) we can calculate R
ij = j l l l = 2kij .
R
li
ji
At x = 0 it takes place ij = gij , therefore because of x is a scalar, we can apply our result to
all points, not just x = 0:
ij = 2k
R
gij .
Then from (10.112) we proceed to
Rij = (2k + 2a 2 + a
a)
gij .
To compute S first of all note that energy-momentum tensor components are
T00 = ,
and therefore

Ti0 = 0,

Tij = pgij = pa2 gij ,

1
Sij = ( p)a2 gij ,
2
1
S00 = ( + 3p).
2

Therefore Einstein equations give us

2k 2a 2 a

1
+ 2 + =
( p).
2
a
a
a
2MP2
3
a
1
=
(3p + ).
a
2MP2
Subtracting three times first equation and the second equation one gets BBS (10.268), while
second equation corresponds to BBS (10.269), where cosmological constant may be retrieved
as additional term to and p with = MP2 and p = .
Problem 10.20
Suppose that the following conditions take place:
2  V (),
107

(10.113)


 H ,

(10.114)

and therefore equations BBS (10.287) and BBS (10.288) are valid as slow-roll approximation
to equations BBS (10.282), (10.283). Lets use (10.114) to be able to employ BBS (10.288)
0
approximation to conclude that VH . Then from (10.113) it follows that
(V 0 )2
 V.
H2

(10.115)

Also from (10.113) it follows that we can employ BBS (10.287) approximation, which gives
H 2 MV2 . From (10.115) we then obtain
P

V0
V

2

MP2  1.

Therefore BBS (10.289) is necessary consequence of slow-roll approximation BBS (10.287),

(10.288).
If again we consider slow-roll approximation conditions (10.113), (10.114), then we can use
approximate equations BBS (10.287), (10.288). Divide BBS (10.287) by square of BBS (10.288):
V 2
V 02 .
MP2
Differentiation by will evidently give
2
V 00 .
2
MP
Therefore
MP2 |V 00 /V | | 2 /V |  1,
which is condition BBS (10.290).
As a result both BBS (10.289), (10.290) are necessary conditions for slow-roll approximation.
From the other side BBS (10.289), (10.290) alone are incapable to give slow-roll approximation conditions (10.113), (10.114), because they depict necessary conditions on potential V but
do not give relations between this potential and derivatives of inflaton field . But if we hold
approximation necessary condition BBS (10.290) and approximate equation BBS (10.288), we
will be able to get another approximate equation BBS (10.287). Indeed, first of all note that
differentiation of BBS (10.282), (10.283) gives
2HH 0 =

V0
,
3MP2

3H 0 = V 00 ,
from which it obviously follows that

V 00
= 2MP2 0 .
H
V
108

(10.116)

 and therefore from (10.116) we proceed to

Formula BBS (10.288) gives V 0 3H ,
V 00

MP2
,
H
H
which evidently gives
2 MP2 |V 00 |.
From BBS (10.290) it then obviously follows (10.113) and therefore approximate equation BBS
(10.287).

11

Black holes in string theory

Problem 11.1
Geodesic equation for massive particle with proper time looks like

d 2 x
dx dx
= 0.
+

d 2
d d

In the non-relativistic case |v|  1 we have d 2 = dt2 (1 v 2 ) ' dt2 and relation between
0
components of 4-velocity vector u0 = dx
' 1  u ' |v| '| dx
|. Therefore we proceed to
d
dt
equations of motion
d 2 xi
+ i00 = 0,
(11.117)
dt2
where latin indices stand for three spatial components. In the weak gravitational field we can
expand metric tensor as small deviation from flat metric: g = + g (with |
g |  1), and
therefore Cristoffel connections are expressed as
1
g, + g, g, ),
= (
2
where once we use non-vanishing derivatives of metric, which are associated with g anyway,
we are to use in all other multipliers flat metric . As a result
1
i00 = i,00 = (2
gi0,0 g00,i ).
2
In the case of static metric then we have
1
i00 = g00,i .
2
Then from (11.117) we proceed to
d 2 xi
1
= g00,i .
2
dt
2
In the classical mechanics we would have ,i on the r.h.s. of the last equation. Therefore we
conclude that
1
= 0 g00 ,
2
109

or more concretely
G4 M
.
r

= 0
As soon as (r = ) = 0, then

G4 M
,
r
which is an expression for Newtonian potential . Therefore we conclude that Newtonian
potential indeed relates to metric as = g200 .
=

Problem 11.4
Scwarzschild metric in D dimensions is given by formulae BBS (11.9)-(11.11):


 r D3 1
 r D3 
H
H
2
2
dt + 1
ds = 1
dr2 + r2 d2D2 .
r
r

(11.118)

When interval is written in terms of dr, dt differentials, or metric tensor is written in t, r

coordinates, then we have coordinate singularity at the horizon r = rH . To get non-singular at
the horizon metric lets look for the following form of interval (without S 2 part):


2
2
2
2 dt
ds = F (R) R 2 dR .
4rH
Comparing to (11.118) one concludes that

 r D3 
H
F (R)R =
1
,
r

 r D3 1
H
2
dr2 .
F (R)dR = 1
r
2

2
4rH

(11.119)

(11.120)

Divide (11.120) by (11.118) and take square root, assuming that new radial coordinate R takes
only non-negative values:
dR
d(r/rH )
2
=

D3 .
R
1 rH
r

Integration will give us

R = R0 exp

1
2

!
d(r/rH )

D3 ,
1 rrH

where R0 is a constant of integration. Therefore one concludes that


F =

2rH
R0

2 
1

 r D3 
H

Z
exp

!
d(r/rH )

D3 .
1 rrH

D3
Here one has value 1 rrH
, which is zero at the horizon, and exponenta of negative value,
because integral is taken of positive function (when r rH ) and theres a minus sign in front
of integral. Therefore nothing will diverge at the horizon, that is F (R(r)) is non-singular at
R = R(rH ).
110

One can then define coordinates

t

U = Re

V = Re 2rH ,

2rt

in terms of which interval takes the form

ds2 = F (R)dU dV,
and Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates
1
u = (U V ),
2

1
v = (U + V ),
2

in terms of which interval is written as

ds2 = F (R)(dv 2 du2 ).

Problem 11.5
Consider (t, r) part of non-extremal RN black hole interval BBS (11.60):
ds2 = h2/3 dt2 + h1 1/3 dr2 .
Expand radial coordinate near horizon r0 :
r = r0 (1 + 2 ).
In what follows we do not keep vanishing powers of higher than 2. Therefore
h ' 22 ,
'

3
Y


cosh2 i 22 sinh2 i ,
i=1

and therefore
2/3

' 2

3
Y

cosh 3 i ,

i=1
1 1/3

3
2
1 2 Y
=
cosh 3 i .
2
i=1

Using expressions BBS (11.64), (11.65) one will get

2

ds ' 2

2
' 2rH

r0
rH

4

2
d 2 + 2rH
d2 '

d2 + 2

111

d
3
rH
/r02

2 !
,

from which follows the expression for inverse temperature:

3
3
Y
rH
= 2 2 = 2r0
cosh i .
r0
i=1

When r0 0 in extremal RN black hole limit, then ri = r0 sinh i remain unchanged, then
obviously and temperature tends to zero.
Problem 11.6
From formula BBS (8.22), which is proved in the solution of Problem 8.12, we conclude about
tension of M 2-brane:
2
.
TM 2 =
(2`s )3 gs
We consider three M 2-branes wrapping compact subspace T 6 = T 2 T 2 T 2 of D = 11 spacetime of M-theory. We define the volume (surface area) of each T 2 to be (2)2 V . Then Newton
constant in D = 5 is connected to that in D = 11 by formula
G11
,
(2)6 V 3

G5 =

and therefore according to formula BBS (8.9) for G11 (where `P = `s gs3 ) one has
G5 =

gs3 `9s
.
4V 3

Entropy of black hole is given by BH formula

S=

A
,
4G5

where area of horizon surface is determined by BBS (11.48)

A = 2 2 r1 r2 r3 ,
q
with parameters ri = 2 G5Mi , as its stated in BBS (11.49), where Mi = Qi TM 2 . Collecting
all facts together, we can easily figure out that
p
p
S = 4 G5 M1 M2 M3 = 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 ,
which coincides with general symmetric result BBS (11.56) with account to BBS (11.59).
Problem 11.7
What we know is that real-valued zi given by BBS (11.89) give = Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 from equation
BBS (11.88). Here we perform transformation (and complexification):
Q1 Q1 + iP1 ,
which means

i
zi zi + P1 .
4
112

Using this formula one can easily figure out the following substitution rules:
X
X
1 X 2
1
|zi |4
|zi |4 + P12
|zi | + P14 ,
8
64
2
2 1 X
X
X
1
|zi |2 + P14 ,
|zi |2
|zi |2 + P12
2
16
2
P
P4
Re(z1 z2 z3 z4 ) Re(z1 z2 z3 z4 ) 1 (z1 z2 + z1 z3 + z1 z4 + z2 z3 + z2 z4 + z3 z4 ) + 1 =
16
256
2 2
2 X
4
P Q
P
P
= Re(z1 z2 z3 z4 ) 1 1 + 1
Q2i + 1 .
32
128
256
Expressing also (as always, zi are old, defined by BBS (11.89))
X

|zi |2 =

1X 2
Qi ,
4

and substituting results to BBS (11.88), one gets

P12 Q21
.
4

Problem 11.8
Therere several points about complex structure moduli space we are to recall. Complex structure moduli space is Kahler space with complex coordinates t and Kahler potential BBS
(11.110) and metric tensor with components
G = K.

(11.121)

Due to possible change of complex structure, is not a holomorphic 3-form, but rather a sum
of holomorphic 3-form with complex structure (2, 1)-forms. This idea may be expressed as
= K + .

(11.122)

According to BBS (9.102) complex structure metric is given by

R

G = R
.

Consistency with (11.121), (11.122) and BBS (11.110) requires, as pointed on the top of p. 395
BBS, that
K = K.
From (11.122) and BBS (11.110) it follows that this condition is equivalent to
Z
= 0.

(11.123)

This constraint also may be accompanied with

Z
= 0,

(11.124)

113

which is a consequence of the fact that integrated form has not any (3, 3)-terms whatsoever.
Finally, note that Kahler covariant derivative is defined to satisfy
D = .
Rewrite BBS (11.120) in a form (we will integrate this over compact CY3 manifold, and
therefore dont pay attention that equality is defined only up to exact-form terms)

d  U i+K/2
= i.
e (e
ei+K/2 )
d
Integration over CY3 of the wedge product of both sides with ei+K/2 D = ei+K/2 gives
equality
L = R,
where
i+K/2

L=e


d  U i+K/2
,
e (e
ei+K/2 )
d
Z
i+K/2
R = ie
.

(11.125)

Due to (11.123) and (11.124) most of terms in the expression for L vanish after integration.
Non-vanishing term contains
Z
Z
Z
d
dt
dt

+ ) =
=
=
(K
d
d
d
Z
Z

dt
dt

=
=
G .
d
d
Therefore one finds
Z
Z

i+K/2
i+K/2U d
KU dt

L = e
e
=e
G .
d
d
Here we may also replace
Z

= ieK ,

which will give

L = ieU
Observe that
|Z| =

dt
G .
d

|Z|2
.
2|Z|

From the other side according to BBS (11.114)

 Z

Z
2
K

=
|Z| = e

K

=e



Z
Z

K + =
114

(11.126)

(11.127)

=e



Z
Z

K + (K + ) =
=e

Therefore due to (11.127) one gets

1 K
|Z| =
e
2|Z|

Therefore performing complex conjugation one results in

Z
1
= 2|Z|eK |Z| R .

From BBS (11.114) it follows that

i

= e |Z| .

eK/2

Therefore

= 2eiK/2 |Z|.

Using this in (11.125) one gets

R = 2i |Z|.
Together with (11.126) this implies

dt
G = 2 |Z|.
d

Contraction with inverse metric and complex conjugation immediately bring us to

dt

= 2eU G |Z|,
d
which is BBS (11.119).
Problem 11.9
The key formula here is BBS (9.116), which in this chapter was used for derivation of BBS
(11.115):

Z
Z
Z
Z
X Z

.
M

AI

BI

AI

BI

Insert definitions BBS (9.107), (9.109) of X and F coordinates (we dont use rescaled BBS
(11.112)) into this formula:
Z
= (X I FI X
I F I ) = 2iIm(X I FI ).

115

Therefore from

 Z


K = log i

one gets


K = log 2Im(X I FI ) .
According to BBS (9.113), (9.115), rescaling X X with corresponding FI FI to be
found means
1
2 F (x) = X I FI ,
2
therefore it must be FI = FI . Therefore if we perform a change of variables with I > 0 (these
indices are denoted as and correspond to (2, 1)-forms, while I = 0 corresponds to (3, 0)-form):
X = t X 0 , then we are to replace FI by F = X10 F . Therefore we will result in


K = log 2Im(X 0 F0 + t F ) .

Problem 11.10
Rotating supersymmetric D = 5 three-charge black hole is given by metric BBS (11.74), where
3-sphere metric BBS (11.73) is written in Hopf coordinates BBS (11.70)-(11.71). Lets compare
it to BPS black hole BBS (11.142). This gives (theres a typo in first round bracket of BBS
(11.74), should be two minus signs)
1
3

f = =

3 
Y

1+

 r 2  13
A

A=1

a
( cos2 d sin2 d),
2
r
2
2
dsX = dr + r2 (d2 + sin2 d2 + cos2 d 2 ).
=

The most general BPS black hole, coupled to vector multiplets (each multiplet is labeled by
index A) with U (1) field strengths FA and scalars Y A , must satisfy conditions BBS (11.144)(11.147). In our case we have three charges. If we define A to be zero (which automatically
satisfies BBS (11.145)) and Y A in such a way that
fY A = 1 +

 r 2
A

then BBS (11.147), which in our case reduces to 2 (f Y A ) = 0 with four-dimensional spatial
Laplacian, is satisfied because n-dimensional spherically symmetric Laplace equation in space
with n coordinates is solved by rk with k = 2 n. Because of now we know both f and Y , we
can determine field strength F A by BBS (11.144).
Then one can easily observe that Hodge duality in flat four dimensions with metric ds2X ,
given by
i 1 i 2 i 3 i 4
gi j gi j dxj3 dxj4 ,
?(dxi1 dxi2 ) = 3
r sin(2) 3 3 4 4

116

where we have used the fact that [0, 2 ], results in

?4 d = d,
which also employs the fact that positive-orientation order of Hopf coordinates is (r, , , ).
This result agrees with BBS (11.146) condition.
Problem 11.13
In this problem we are to count the number of states in bosonic left-moving sector of heterotic
string with account to degeneration of total vacuum. The later is equal to 16 - the number of
Majorana-Weyl spinor components of vacuum state of N = 1 D = 10 supersymmetric rightmoving sector. Degeneration of heterotic string state with left-moving excitation number NL
is given by coefficient in front of q N +1 , corresponding to given NL by N = NL 1, in power
expansion
X
dN q N +1
of
16trq

L
N

= 16

Y
24
Y

"
trq

in in

= 16

n=1 i=1

#24
n

(1 q )

n=1

where trace is performed over all string excitation states in all possible transversal directions
and we use infinite geometric progression summation formula for each transverse direction on
equal footing. As a result, coefficient in front of q NL is composed out of all possible string states
L with equal eigenvalues NL . Introducing definition
which are eigenstates of N
X
Z=
dN q N ,
we will get
"
#24
16 Y
(1 q n )
,
Z=
q n=1
which with account to definitions BBS (11.163), (11.164) gives BBS (11.162), as required.
Problem 11.15
Consider Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian
L=

1
1
R g =
gg g R .
16
16

(11.128)

According to Walds formula entropy is given by integral over horizon:

Z
L
,
S = 2 dE E
R

where E = g2 is antisymmetric Levi-Chivita tensor on D = 2 S 2 spatial part of the

horizon surface, with g2 being determinant of induced horizon metric. As soon as
g g =
117

1
2
= ,
g2
g2

and when we restrict our consideration only towards horizon geometry we are to replace

g2 in (11.128), then we have

Z
A
1
g2 d = ,
S=
4
4
which is Bekenstein-Hawking formula.

Problem 11.16
We consider non-extremal three-charge black hole in D = 5 space-time, realized as bound state
of Q1 D1-branes wound around y 1 compact direction, Q2 D5-branes wound around y 1 y 5
compact directions, n left-moving values of KK excitations and all corresponding antibranes
with negative charges and KK momentum n
of right-movers. Then if we consider some F 1

string, starting on one of D1- or D1-brane and ending on one of D5- or D5-brane,
then according
to level-matching condition BBS (6.13) one will have
nW = NL NR .
Namely if we consider left-movers with KK excitation number n, then NR = 0, and in the case
of right-movers we have KK excitation number n
and condition NL = 0 for short supermultiplet.
Anyway, for modulus of NL or NR we will have the value nW . We have 4 different kinds of
F 1-string with W equal to one of the following values:
Q1 Q5 ,

5,
Q1 Q

1 Q5 ,
Q

1Q
5.
Q

Considered here F 1-strings leave in compact directions, and therefore each such string has 4
transverse physical directions, which according to supersymmetry requires 4 fermions. Each
F 1-string may be considered as independent physical subsystem, and total entropy may be
considered as sum of entropies of each of the subsystem. For modulus of N = NL + NR we
have the value nW , which according to string with world-sheet supersymmetry R-sector mass
formula BBS (4.109) (which contains number of excitation operators we are interested in here)
gives for each F 1-string formula BBS (11.95). After this formula is retrieved, all microscopic
calculations of entropy are described on pp. 584-585 BBS. Therefore in the leading order
entropy is the sum of terms for different cases of F 1-strings:
Xp
Qi Qj Qk
(11.129)
S = 2
where Qi , Qj , Qk takes on of the following 8 values
n (Q1 Q5 ,

5,
Q1 Q

1 Q5 ,
Q

1Q
5 ),
Q

n
(Q1 Q5 ,

5,
Q1 Q

1 Q5 ,
Q

1Q
5 ).
Q

Obviously this may be rewritten as

3
p
Y
p
i ),
S = 2 ( Qi + Q
i=1

which is BBS (11.69).

118

Problem 11.17
Consider D = 4 black hole in type-IIA superstring theory with six compact directions and four
types of charges. Construction of black hole may be understood in terms of the following set
of branes (notation: number, type, directions wrapped by this brane or KK excitation):
Q1 D2 (y 1 , y 6 ),

Q2 D6 (y 1 y 6 ),

Q3 N S5 (y 1 y 5 ),

Q4 P y 1 .

Performing T-duality in y 6 direction we will get representation of black hole as

Q1 D1 y 1 ,

Q2 D5 (y 1 y 5 ),

Q3 N S5 (y 1 y 5 ),

Q4 P y 1 .

Introduce fundamental F 1-string, localized in non-compact directions, connecting D1-brane

and D5-brane and wrapped around closed y 1 -loop. To start and end at the same point of
compact submanifold T 6 , it should go around y 1 compact direction Q1 Q2 times (assuming that
therere no common factors for Q1 and Q2 ). From the other side, while fundamental F 1-string
is able to end on D5-brane, S-dual picture requires D1-string to be able to end on N S5-brane.
Therefore we actually should go around closed y 1 -loop Q1 Q2 Q3 times for D1-brane to start and
end at the same point of N S5-brane (again, assuming no common factors for Q1 Q2 and Q3 ).
As a result, we will get fundamental F 1-string with winding number W = Q1 Q2 Q3 and KK
excitation number Q4 . For short supersymmetry either NL or NR for F 1-string should vanish,
and therefore level-matching condition
NL NR = nW,
where n is KK excitation number, will give the value |nW | for either NL or NR . As soon as
considered F 1-string has five transverse bosonic excitation degrees of freedom, it should have
five fermionic degrees of freedom, and then R-sector number operator is expressed as
X
5
X
i
N=
(Nm
+ mnim ),
m=1 i=1
i
is bosonic number operator for string excitation level m in transverse direction i,
where Nm
and similar for fermionic operator mnim . The value of N is equal to either NL or NR . Therefore
we have formula for level-matching condition analogous to BBS (11.95):
X
5
X
i
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 =
(Nm
+ mnim ).
m=1 i=1

The degeneracy d of state of constructed F 1-string is given by number of ways to construct

state with |N | = |Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 | times degeneration N0 = 16 (for type-II superstring) of ground
state. The value of d is given by coefficient of wW Q4 in expansion of generating function
5

Y
1 + wm
.
G(w) = N0
1 wm
m=1
Then calculation similar to that provided on p. 585 BBS gives formula (leading term in large
W Q4 limit)
p
S = 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 ,
119

which is BBS (11.84).

Now lets study rotating three-charge black hole in five dimensions. Again, we perform
counting of microstates of F 1-string, which starts on D1-brane and ends on D5-brane. The
black hole is described on p. 574 BBS, while D-brane and KK momentum set-up is the same
as described on p. 583 BBS for three-charge black hole in five dimensions with the difference
0 = 0, but L0 L
0 = J 2 . Indeed, now we
that now level-matching condition is not L0 L
are to describe rotating black hole, and therefore we must ascribe non-zero momentum P =
0 ) to F 1-string, which is Noether current corresponding to world-sheet translations
2(L0 L
in spatial coordinate (this Noether current is classically used to define string physical states
by zero action on them, but here our F 1-string being non-critical - with central charge c = 6
not equal to 15 - breaks conformal symmetry anyway). For F 1-string wound around closed
y 1 coordinate this effectively looks like angular momentum J 2 of corresponding black hole.
Therefore instead of BBS (11.95) we will have level-matching condition formula
|nW | =

4 X

i
(Nm
+ mnim ) + J 2 .

i=1 m=1

Thus to get entropy of rotating black hole we may simply use formula BBS (11.103) and replace
there |nW | |nW | J 2 . This will give desired BBS (11.76).

12

Gauge theory/string theory dualities

Problem 12.1
To solve this problem one must recall that ansatz BBS (12.4) for space-time configuration
of M 2-brane world-volume is of the same form as ansatz used in Chapter 10 for warp compactification of M-theory on CY4 (formula BBS (10.5)). Indeed they differ by substitution
= H 2/3 . Supersymmetry constraints BBS (12.3) reduce to BBS (10.22), (10.24), (10.25),
(10.27). Namely constraints related to 4-form flux and warp factor are then
F = 0,

Fm = 0,

fm = m H1

(12.130)

where as in Chapter 10 is spinor in D = 8 space, = H 6 and

F=

1
Fmnpq mnpq ,
4!

Fm =

1
Fmnpq npq ,
3!

Fm = fm .

Proposed 4-form flux BBS (12.5) leads to automatical satisfaction of constraints (12.130) due
to F, Fm = 0, and fm = m H 1 .
Problem 12.2
To find temperature of non-extremal black Dp-brane, we keep only (t, r)-part of the metric
BBS (12.31) and make change of variables: transition to Eucildean time
= it

120

and expansion of radial coordinate in the vicinity of horizon r = r+

r = r+ (1 + 2 ).
As a result we get
1/2

ds2 = +

2 2 1
d 2 + 4r+
+ d2 .

Performing expansion of products to get the form of interval similar to that deduced in the
solution of Problem 11.5, we will result in

 7p !

2
 7p ! 12
2
4r+
r
r
d2 + 7 p
1
1
ds2 =
2 d 2 .
7p
r+
2r+
r+
Therefore one easily concludes that inverse temperature is given by

 7p ! 14 + 2
2r+
r
,
= 2
1
7p
r+
which according to BBS (12.32) takes the form

5p
 7p ! 2(7p)
2r+
r
.
= 2
1
7p
r+

(12.131)

This formula was deduced only for non-extremal black branes and is not applicable for extremal
black branes. One can easily see it post factum, because it doesnt give zero temperature for all
values of p < 7 when r = r+ . The reason is that r = r+ (1 + 2 ) near-horizon approximation of
radial coordinate, which was used to deduce non-extremal case formula (12.131), gives wrong
form of metric in the extremal case (not the form of planar metric in angular coordinates)
and therefore cant be used to make any conclusions about periodicity of Euclidean time and
therefore about temperature.
The part of metric BBS (12.31) relevant for calculation of area of horizon is
1/2

2
ds2 = dxi dxi + r2 +1
d8p .

Horizon has topology Rp S 8p , but we are to calculate entropy per unit volume of Rp , and
therefore we must calculate only spherical part of area:
 7p !+1
9p
2 2
r
+1
2
2

.
A = r+ (r+ )A8p = r+ 1
r+
9p
2
Entropy is given by formula
S=

A
,
4G10

where for even p gamma-function is to be calculated with the help of n +

and for odd p with the help of (n) = (n 1)!
121

1
2

(2n1)!!

2n

Problem 12.3
Radius of D = 4 Schwarzshild black hole is given by r1 = 2G4 M4 , where M4 is fourdimensional mass. Total mass M of five-dimensional black string also takes into account
mass distribution with some density along the R-line of string. The length of compact line
is 2R, therefore M r1 R. Area of event horizon is given by A = (4r12 )(2R), and therefore entropy of black string is proportional to S1 r12 R. At the same time according to BBS
(11.11) mass of five-dimensional black hole is proportional to square of its radius r0 . Horizon
is 3-dimensional surface with area of the order r03 . Therefore S0 r03 . Several five-dimensional
black holes, which are supposed to be product of decay of one black string, have total mass and
entropy (additive) of the same order as one of them. Equality of orders of masses of black holes
and black string, required by energy conservation, gives r1 R r02 , and therefore SS01 = k rR0 .
Observe that in this process 1-brane (black string) has decayed into several 0-branes (black
holes).
Problem 12.4
In this problem we consider matrix representation of su(M |N ) superalgebra. To do it note
that corresponding group SU (M |N ) is defined as group of transformations of multiplet (b, f ),
consisting of M bosons forming vector b and N fermions forming vector f , which leave the
norm of multiplet invariant:
bb + f f = inv.
(12.132)
infinitesimally we can build transformation
 

 
b
A B
b
=i
,
f
C D
f

(12.133)

where 22-block matrix X on the r.h.s. is matrix of infinitesimal parameters of transformation.

We obviously have requirement for B and C to be matrices with fermionic entries, because
variation of fermion should be fermion, while variation of boson should be boson. For the
condition of symmetry (12.132) to be satisfied it also must be take place the following set of
conditions
A = A, D = D, C = B.
(12.134)
Indeed, these conditions mean that (12.133) is unitary transformation and therefore unitary
norm (12.132) is preserved. Its also assumed the condition of vanishing of supertrace, which is
not meaningful for invariance of (12.132), but which is essential for speciality of the supergroup.
From (12.133) applied to two transformations with different sets of parameters (labeled by
index i = 1, 2) one can calculate Lie brackets (which is the same procedure as commuting
matrices)
(1 2 2 1 )b = i(Ab + Bf ),
(1 2 2 1 )f = i(Cb + Df ),
where
A = i([A1 , A2 ] + B1 C2 B2 C1 ),

(12.135)

B = i(A2 B1 A1 B2 + B2 D1 B1 D2 ),

(12.136)

C = i(C2 A1 C1 A2 + D2 C1 D1 C2 ),

(12.137)

122

D = i([D1 , D2 ] + C1 B2 C2 B1 ).

(12.138)

One can easily verify that matrices (12.135)-(12.138) satisfy conditions of unitarity (12.134).
One can also easily calculate that
StrX = trA trD = i(tr(B2 C1 + C1 B2 ) tr(B1 C2 + C2 B1 )) = 0,
where weve used anticommutativity of elements of fermionic matrices B and C together with
possibility of cyclic permutation inside trace (which therefore for fermionic matrices means
antisymmetric cyclic permutation inside trace).
Finally observe that condition StrX = 0, that is trA = trD, makes connection between two
U (1) transformations - invariant subalgebras of {A} and {D} algebras (each such subalgebra is
one-parametric). Therefore this condition leaves us only with one independent U (1) transformation. Each u(1) algebra element in n n-matrix representation as element of n n unitary
matrix group (n = N, M ) is a unit matrix times some complex number with unit modulus.
Condition StrX = 0 relates these numbers for two u(1) elements. But if M = N , then this
condition would require both u(1) elements to be exactly the same. Therefore we will get one
independent u(1) element for total X-matrix. This is again unit matrix times some complex
number with unit modulus. This matrix commutes with all other matrices of X, hence it
decouples from SU (N |N ).
Problem 12.5
Spinor in D = 5 space-time has 8 components, therefore SYM theory with 16 supercharges
in D = 5 possesses N = 2 supersymmetry. We have 4 rising supersymmetry generators for
massless SYM multiplet. Spin field content is
| 1i1

| 1/2i4

|0i6

|1/2i4

|1i1 ,

each field is in adjoint representation of SU (N ). R-symmetry group is SU (4) SO(6).

Problem 12.6
As its shown in the solution of Problem 12.7 the metric BBS (12.97) of AdSd+1 in Poincare
coordinates may be rewritten in terms of d + 2-dimensional Minkowski space-time coordinates
on hypersurface BBS (12.98):
d
X
X
2
ds =
dyi2
dt2j .
i=1

j=1,2

We can introduce spherical coordinates on spatial and time parts separately to rewrite the
metric on that parts in the following form:
d
X

dyi2 = dv 2 + v 2 d2p ,

i=1

dt2j = d 2 + 2 d2 .

j=1,2

Here dv and d are elements of radial distances; dp (where p = d 1) and d are elements of
angular distances. Evidently BBS (12.98) may be recast as
v 2 2 = 1,
123

from which we can easily express and d through v and dv to get

dv 2 d 2 2 d2 =

dv 2
(1 + v 2 )d2 .
1 + v2

Now the origin of BBS (12.101) is clear.

Problem 12.7
In metric BBS (12.97) (with R = 1) perform coordinate change
z=

1
t1 + yd

dz =

dt1 + dyd
,
(t1 + yd )2

x0 =

t2
t1 + yd

dx0 =

dt2
t2 (dt1 + dyd )

,
t1 + yd
(t1 + yd )2

xi =

yi
t1 + yd

dxi =

dyi
yi (dt1 + dyd )

,
t1 + yd
(t1 + yd )2

and take into account that

y12 + + yd2 t21 t22 = 1,
y1 dy1 + yd dyd t1 dt1 t2 dt2 = 0.
As a result starting from BBS (12.97) one will evidently get
Pd1 2
2
(dt1 + dyd )2
2
2 dt2 +
i=1 dyi
+
ds = (t1 + yd ) (
(t1 + yd )2
(t1 + yd )4

1 t22 +

d1
X

!
yi2

i=1

d1

2(dt1 + dyd ) X
2t2 dt2 (dt1 + dyd )

yi dyi +
)=
3
(t1 + yd ) i=1
(t1 + yd )3
=

dt21

dt22

d
X

dyi2 ,

i=1

which is metric in flat 2 + d space-time. Transition backwards to Poincare patch metric BBS
(12.97) takes into account constraint BBS (12.98) and therefore describes embedding of AdSd+1
into flat d + 2-dimensional space-time.
Problem 12.8
We can read Lagrangian of scalar field in EAdS5 from the action BBS (12.115):
L=

1
1
2
2
(
)
+
(
)
+ 5 m2 R2 2 .
y
z
3
z
z

Equation of motion in curved space-time is

( m2 R2 ) = 0,

124

with DAlambertian

1
= ( g ) = z 5 (z 3 ) = z 2 (z2 + y2 ) 3zz ,
g
where as always square of y-related terms means summation over all four y coordinates. Therefore equation of motion looks like
z 2 (z2 + y2 ) 3zz m2 R2 = 0.
Lets represent field configuration as

(z, y) = eip.y (z),

which will evidently lead to equation
z 2 z2 3zz (m2 R2 + z 2 ) = 0.
This equation has general solutions in terms of Bessel functions with assymtotics z as z 0,
where are given by BBS (12.117).
Problem 12.9
We start with AdS5 S 5 space-time with metric
g

 r 2  r 2  r 2  r 2  R 2
= diag{
,
,
,
,
, R2 gij },
R
R
R
R
r

(12.139)

where gij denotes diagonal metric components for unit sphere, both AdS5 and S 5 have the same
radius R. We know that if AdS5 is sourced by heavy stack of N D3-branes (on its boundary),
which is the case here, then R4 = 4gs N 02 (see BBS (12.28), (12.29)). Introduce the value
f=

R4
.
r4

If we want to construct DBI action for probe D3-brane in AdS5 S 5 background we first of
all shall perform pullback of metric (12.139) on D3-brane world-volume coordinates. As far
as geometric background is fixed, we can naturally choose first four space-time coordinates to
parametrize D3-brane world-volume. We shall also take into account motion of D3 brane along
r and S 5 coordinates. Therefore pullback metric on D3-brane world-volume is given by
g = f 1/2 + f 1/2 r r + r2 f 1/2 gij i j ,
where we have used the fact that r2 f 1/2 = R2 and denoted unit 5-sphere coordinates by i .
Bosonic part of free DBI action is given by formula BBS (6.106) with F = F and tension
TD3 =

1
(2)3 02 gs

following from BBS (6.115). Then we result in action

r
Z


p
1
4
1
2
i
j
0
S1 =
d xf
det + f r r + r f gij + 2 f F .
(2)3 02 gs
125

Here x denote first four coordinates of AdS5 - boundary coordinates. Determinant is taken for
4 4 matrix with indices , . Theres also a second term S2 of total DBI action S = S1 + S2
which describes coupling of D3-brane to field A4 :
Z
S2 = 3 A4 .
As soon as D3-brane is BPS object then we have related charge and tension for it:
3 = TD3 =

1
(2)3 02 gs

Due to symmetry considerations (this actually follows

from exact solution BBS (12.25) of typep
IIB supergravity equations) we choose A = |g4 | = f 1 and therefore we result
in
Z
1
S2 =
d4 xf 1 .
(2)3 02 gs
Our result for bosonic DBI action is then
#
"r
Z


p
1
det + f r r + r2 f gij i j + 20 f F 1 .
S=
d4 xf 1
(2)3 02 gs
One can also eliminate explicit dependence of action on 0 by simple change of variables r = u0 ,
because f 02 . Studying AdS/CF T correspondence we are interested in low-energy limit,
which may be equivalently achieved by sending the distanse between string excitation levels
to infinity: 0 0. At this limit bulk theory decouples from boundary theory because square
root of Newton constant gs 02 0. Energy Eb of any bulk excitation located near
coordinate r gives the value E = gtt (r)Eb = r0 Eb when is measured by observer at infinity
(due to redshift). If we hold energy E at infinity and energy Eb fixed in string units this will
lead to requirement of fixed u = r/0 . This is natural radial bulk coordinate for description of
AdS5 /CF T4 correspondence.
Problem 12.10
Lets calculate the volume of cone base T 1,1 . Due to BBS (10.120) one has a length element of
T 1,1 defined by formula
4
4
4
d2 = d 2 + cos 1 dd1 + cos 2 dd2 +
9
9
9
1
1
2
+ cos2 1 d21 + cos2 2 d22 + cos 1 cos 2 d1 d2 +
9
9
9
1
1
1
1
+ d12 + d22 + sin2 1 d21 + sin2 2 d22 .
6
6
6
6
Well, one can write down 6 6 matrix for (r, , 1 , 1 , 2 , 2 ) conifold now; of course, I will not
do it here. I just note that its convenient to represent


1
1 2
1
1 2
2
cos i + sin i =
1 + sin i .
9
6
9
2
126

Then calculating determinant one immediately reduces 6 6 matrix of metric to 5 5 matrix,

which will have three terms of 4 4 matrices, each term with positive sign. Each 4 4 matrix
will be proportional to one determinant of 3 3 matrix; first 4 4 matrix will reduce to such
a matrix with positive-sign coefficient, the other two - with negative. An interesting feature is
that all terms of complete expansion of total determinant give common multiplier 914 . Some
trigonometry gives us then
1
sin2 1 sin2 2
36 22
for determinant of metric on T 1,1 . The volume of T 1,1 is then given by
Z
sin 1 sin 2
16 3
1,1
Vol(T ) = d1 d2 d1 d2 d
=
.
33 2
27
As soon as volume of unit five-sphere (that is its surface area) is given by formula Vol(S 5 ) = 3 ,
then we indeed result in formula
Vol(T 1,1 ) =

16
Vol(S 5 ).
27

Problem 12.15
Variation of the action BBS (12.18) by p-form gauge field (which is represented only by its
purely free field term) gives equation of motion
d ? Fp+2 = 0,

(12.140)

where ?Fp+2 is (8 p)-form, Hodge dual to Fp+2 . Its rather simple to check that p + 2-form
field strength given by BBS (12.22) satisfies (12.140). If p-brane world-volume coordinates are
first p + 1 coordinates of space-time, then positive-orientation order of coordinates on the whole
space-time is
M10 : (0, 1, . . . , p, r, 1 , . . . , 8p ),
where weve denoted unit sphere coordinates by i . According to BBS (12.22) the only independent non-zero component of field strength is given by
F01pr = (1)p+1 (7 p)

rp7p
,
r8p

and therefore the only independent component of Hodge-dual field strength is equal to

(?F )1 8p = g01pr1 8p F 01pr = (1)(p+2)(8p) gF 01pr .

2

As soon as (1)(p+2)(8p) = (1)p , (1)p +p = 1 and

g = r8p Hp2p/2 g8p ,

where g8p is determinant of metric for unit (8 p)-sphere (function of i coordinates), one has

(?F )1 8p = (p 7)rp7p g8p ,

127

and therefore

?F = (p 7)rp7p g8p d1 d8p = (p 7)rp7p 8p .

Then obviously equation of motion (12.140) is satisfied.
Lets find equation of motion arising from variation of action BBS (12.18) by metric tensor.
Due to variations

1
g =
gg g ,
2



1
(R g) = R Rg
gg ,
2
()2 = g ,
|Fp+2 |2 =

1
F1 p+1 F
(p + 1)!

1 p+1

g .

variation of action by metric tensor is given by



Z

1
1
(p)
2
10
2
S = 2 d x g(e
R Rg 2g () + 4 +
2
2
1
1
+ g |Fp+2 |2
F1 p+1 F
4
2 (p + 1)!

1 p+1

)g ,

which gives stationary points by equations of motion



1
1
1
2
2
F1 p+1 F
e
R Rg 2g () + 4 + g |Fp+2 |2
2
4
2 (p + 1)!

1 p+1

= 0.

Variation of the action by dilaton field gives

Z

1
(p)
S = 2 d10 x ge2 (R + 4 4()2 ),

where as usual

1
= ( g ).
g

Equations of motion are then

R + 4 4()2 = 0.
Problem 12.18
Some contours of proof are already sketched in the solution of Exercise 12.3. Lets state
details. According to BBS (12.63) (applied for 2 = b2 ) with account to definition BBS (12.62)
r2 = b2 + (v )2 one has the following equation on bosonic propagator (in 0 + 1 space-time):
(2 + r2 )B (, 0 |r2 ) = ( 0 ),
which can be rewritten is a form with redefined mass parameter:
(2 + r2 v1 )B (, 0 |r2 v1 ) = ( 0 ).
128

(12.141)

Here 1 is supposed to take some its eigenvalue.

From fermionic side we have mass matrix mF = v 1 + b2 , and therefore
m2F = (v )2 + b2 ,
[ , mF ] = v1 .
Therefore due to BBS (12.66) one readily gets
( + mF )F (, 0 |mF ) = (2 + r2 v1 )B (, 0 |r2 v1 ).
Due to (12.141) this leads to
( + mF )F (, 0 |mF ) = ( 0 ).

References
[1] Becker, K., Becker, M., Schwarz, J.H.: String Theory And M-theory, Cambridge University
Press (2006).
[2] Green, M.B., Schwarz, J.H., Witten, E.: Superstring Theory, two volumes, Cambridge
University Press (1986).
[3] Polchinski, J.: String Theory, two volumes, Cambridge University Press (2002).
[4] Kaku, M.: Introduction to Superstrings and M-theory, Springer Verlag (1999).
[5] Di Francesco, P., Mathieu, P., Senechal, D.: Conformal Field Theory, Springer Verlag
(1997).
[6] Kiritsis, E.: String Theory in a Nutshell, Princeton University Press (2007).
[7] Hawking, S.W., Ellis, G.F.R.: The large scale structure of space-time, Cambridge University Press (1999).
[8] Weinberg, S.: Cosmology, Oxford University Press (1999).

129