Carmen Alicia Nuñez

Double field theory: a pedagogical review

Double field theory (DFT) is a proposal to incorporate T-duality, a distinctive symmetry of string theory, as a symmetry of a field theory defined on a double configuration space. The aim of this review is to provide a pedagogical presentation of DFT and its applications. We first introduce some basic ideas on T-duality and supergravity in order to proceed to the construction of generalized diffeomorphisms and an invariant action on the double space. Steps towards the construction of a geometry on the double space are discussed. We then address generalized Scherk–Schwarz compactifications of DFT and their connection to gauged supergravity and flux compactifications. We also discuss U-duality extensions and present a brief parcours on worldsheet approaches to DFT. Finally, we provide a summary of other developments and applications that are not discussed in detail in the review.

The effective action of Double Field Theory

A bstractWe perform a generalized Scherk-Schwarz dimensional reduction of Double Field Theory on a twisted double torus. The four dimensional effective action is shown to exactly reproduce the bosonic electric sector of gauged

Exploring Double Field Theory

mathcal{N}

Heterotic α´-corrections in Double Field Theory

u2009=u20094 supergravity. We present explicit expressions for the gaugings in terms of the twists, and analyze the associated string backgrounds. This framework provides a higher dimensional origin of the gaugings in terms of generalized fluxes.

On Type IIB moduli stabilization and N=4,8 supergravities

A bstractWe consider a flux formulation of Double Field Theory in which fluxes are dynamical and field-dependent. Gauge consistency imposes a set of quadratic constraints on the dynamical fluxes, which can be solved by truly double configurations. The constraints are related to generalized Bianchi Identities for (non-)geometric fluxes in the double space, sourced by (exotic) branes. Following previous constructions, we then obtain generalized connections, torsion and curvatures compatible with the consistency conditions. The strong constraint-violating terms needed to make contact with gauged supergravities containing duality orbits of non-geometric fluxes, systematically arise in this formulation.

Correlators in AdS3 string theory

A bstractWe extend the generalized flux formulation of Double Field Theory to include all the first order bosonic contributions to the α′ expansion of the heterotic string low energy effective theory. The generalized tangent space and duality group are enhanced by α′ corrections, and the gauge symmetries are generated by the usual (gauged) generalized Lie derivative in the extended space. The generalized frame receives derivative corrections through the spin connection with torsion, which is incorporated as a new degree of freedom in the extended bein. We compute the generalized fluxes and find the Riemann curvature tensor with torsion as one of their components. All the four-derivative terms of the action, Bianchi identities and equations of motion are reproduced. Using this formalism, we obtain the first order α′ corrections to the heterotic Buscher rules. The relation of our results to alternative formulations in the literature is discussed and future research directions are outlined.

Enhanced gauge symmetry and winding modes in Double Field Theory

Abstract We analyze D = 4 compactifications of Type IIB theory with generic, geometric and non-geometric, dual fluxes turned on. In particular, we study N = 1 toroidal orbifold compactifications that admit an embedding of the untwisted sector into gauged N = 4 , 8 supergravities. Truncations, spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry and the inclusion of sources are discussed. The algebraic identities satisfied by the supergravity gaugings are used to implement the full set of consistency constraints on the background fluxes. This allows to perform a generic study of N = 1 vacua and identify large regions of the parameter space that do not admit complete moduli stabilization. Illustrative examples of AdS and Minkowski vacua are presented.

T-duality and α′-corrections

The computation of two and three point functions in the Coulomb gas free field approach to string theory in the SL(2,R)/U(1) black hole background is reviewed. An interesting relation arises when comparing the results obtained using two different screening operators. The formalism is then modified to study string theory propagating in AdS

Coulomb integrals for the SL(2,R) WZW model

_3

Three-point functions in superstring theory on AdS3 × S3 × T4

which is considered as the direct product of the SL(2)/U(1) coset times a timelike free boson. This representation allows to naturally include the spectral flow symmetry and winding number in vertex operators and correlation functions. Two and three point tachyon amplitudes are computed in this new scenario and the results coincide with previous reports in the literature. Novel expressions are found for processes violating winding number conservation.