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arXiv · hep-th/9709013

Exceptional groups from open strings

Matthias R. Gaberdiel·Barton Zwiebach
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Abstract

We consider type IIB theory compactified on a two-sphere in the presence of mutually nonlocal 7-branes. The BPS states associated with the gauge vectors of exceptional groups are seen to arise from open strings connecting the 7-branes, and multi-pronged open strings capable of ending on more than two 7-branes. These multi-pronged strings are built from open string junctions that arise naturally when strings cross 7-branes. The different string configurations can be multiplied as traditional open strings, and are shown to generate the structure of exceptional groups.

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Matthias R. Gaberdiel, Barton Zwiebach. 1997-09-18. Exceptional groups from open strings. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0550-3213(97)00841-9

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