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arXiv · hep-th/9709027

Born-Infeld particles and Dirichlet p-branes

G. W. Gibbons
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Abstract

Born-Infeld theory admits finite energy point particle solutions with $δ$-function sources, BIons. I discuss their role in the theory of Dirichlet $p$-branes as the ends of strings intersecting the brane when the effects of gravity are ignored. There are also topologically non-trivial electrically neutral catenoidal solutions looking like two $p$-branes joined by a throat. The general solution is a non-singular deformation of the catenoid if the charge is not too large and a singular deformation of the BIon solution for charges above that limit. The intermediate solution is BPS and Coulomb-like. Performing a duality rotation we obtain monopole solutions, the BPS limit being a solution of the abelian Bogolmol'nyi equations. The situation closely resembles that of sub and super extreme black-brane solutions of the supergravity theories. I also show that certain special Lagrangian submanifolds of ${\Bbb C}^p$, $p=3,4,5$, may be regarded as supersymmetric configurations consisting of $p$-branes at angles joined by throats which are the sources of global monopoles. Vortex solutions are also exhibited.

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G. W. Gibbons. 1997-09-03. Born-Infeld particles and Dirichlet p-branes. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0550-3213(97)00795-5

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