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arXiv · 0803.3803

Comments on the Bagger-Lambert theory and multiple M2-branes

Mark Van Raamsdonk
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Abstract

We study the SO(8) superconformal theory proposed recently by Bagger and Lambert as a possible worldvolume theory for multiple M2-branes. For their explicit example with gauge group SO(4), we rewrite the theory (originally formulated in terms of a three-algebra) as an ordinary SU(2) \times SU(2) gauge theory with bifundamental matter. In this description, the parity invariance of the theory, required for a proper description of M2-branes, is clarified. We describe the subspace of scalar field configurations on which the potential vanishes, and note that this does not coincide with the moduli space for a stack of M2-branes. Finally, we point out a difficulty in constructing the required set of superconformal primary operators which should be present in the correct theory describing multiple M2-branes.

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Mark Van Raamsdonk. 2008-04-14. Comments on the Bagger-Lambert theory and multiple M2-branes. https://doi.org/10.1088/1126-6708%2F2008%2F05%2F105

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