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arXiv · hep-th/0010195

Symmetries of string, M and F-theories

Eric Bergshoeff·Antoine Van Proeyen
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Abstract

The d=10 type II string theories, d=11 M-theory and d=12 F-theory have the same symmetry group. It can be viewed either as a subgroup of a conformal group OSp(1|64) or as a contraction of OSp(1|32). The theories are related by different identifications of their symmetry operators as generators of OSp(1|32). T- and S-dualities are recognized as redefinitions of generators. Some (s,t) signatures of spacetime allow reality conditions on the generators. All those that allow a real structure are related again by redefinitions within the algebra, due to the fact that the algebra OSp(1|32) has only one real realization. The redefinitions include space/space, time/time and space/time dualities. A further distinction between the theories is made by the identification of the translation generator. This distinguishes various versions of type II string theories, in particular the so-called *-theories, characterized by the fact that the P_0 generator is not the (unique) positive-definite energy operator in the algebra.

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Eric Bergshoeff, Antoine Van Proeyen. 2000-10-23. Symmetries of string, M and F-theories. https://doi.org/10.1088/0264-9381%2F18%2F16%2F301

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