Kac-Moody algebras in perturbative string theory

In view of the newly conjectured Kac-Moody symmetries of supergravity theories placed in eleven and ten dimensions, the relation between these symmetry groups and possible compactifications are examined. In particular, we identify the relevant group cosets that parametrise the vacuum solutions of AdS x S type.

By dimensionally reducing the ten-dimensional higher derivative type IIA string theory effective action we place constraints on the automorphic forms that appear in the effective action in lower dimensions. We propose a number of properties of such automorphic forms and consider the prospects that E11 can play a role in the formulation of the higher derivative string theory effective action.

We give a method of deriving the field-strengths of all massless and massive maximal supergravity theories in any dimension starting from the Kac-Moody algebra $E_{11}$. Considering the subalgebra of $E_{11}$ that acts on the fields in the non-linear realisation as a global symmetry, we show how this is promoted to a gauge symmetry enlarging the algebra by the inclusion of additional generators. We show how this works in eleven dimensions, and we call the resulting enlarged a...

The hyperbolic Kac-Moody algebra E10 has repeatedly been suggested to play a crucial role in the symmetry structure of M-theory. Recently, following the analysis of the asymptotic behaviour of the supergravity fields near a cosmological singularity, this question has received a new impulse. It has been argued that one way to exhibit the symmetry was to rewrite the supergravity equations as the equations of motion of the non-linear sigma model E10/K(E10). This attempt, in line...

We analyse the M-theoretic generalisation of the tangent space structure group after reduction of the D=11 supergravity theory to two space-time dimensions in the context of hidden Kac-Moody symmetries. The action of the resulting infinite-dimensional `R symmetry' group K(E9) on certain unfaithful, finite-dimensional spinor representations inherited from K(E10) is studied. We explain in detail how these representations are related to certain finite codimension ideals within K...

It seems to me at this time that two recent developments may permit fast progress on our way to understand the symmetry structure of toroidally (compactified and) reduced M-theory. The first indication of a (possibly) thin spot in the wall that prevents us from deriving a priori the U-duality symmetries of these models is to be found in the analysis of the hyperbolic billiards that control the chaotic time evolution of (quasi)homogeneous anisotropic String, Supergravity or Ei...

We provide evidence for the existence of a family of generalized Kac-Moody(GKM) superalgebras, G_N, whose Weyl-Kac-Borcherds denominator formula gives rise to a genus-two modular form at level N, Delta_{k/2}(Z), for (N,k)=(1,10), (2,6), (3,4), and possibly (5,2). The square of the automorphic form is the modular transform of the generating function of the degeneracy of CHL dyons in asymmetric Z_N-orbifolds of the heterotic string compactified on T^6. The new generalized Kac-M...

We revisit non-marginal half-BPS solutions of M-theory in the framework of the possible existence of an underlying E11 Kac-Moody symmetry. In this context, non-marginal BPS solutions of M-theory can be described as exact solutions of the brane sigma-model E10/K(E10), extending results obtained earlier for marginal BPS solutions. We uncover an elegant and simple algebraic structure underlying the bound states by looking at subalgebras embedded in E10. Furthermore, we show that...

The conjecture of a hidden $E_{10}$ symmetry of M-theory is supported by the close connection between the dynamics of D=11 supergravity near a spacelike singularity and a truncation of an one-dimensional $\sigma$-model with $E_{10}$ symmetry where all representations beyond SL(10) level $\ell=3$ are omitted. If this conjecture is right, higher-level representations should especially capture the dynamics of further M-theory degrees of freedom. Unfortunately, the level by level...

Supersymmetric theories of gravity can exhibit surprising hidden symmetries when considered on manifolds that include a torus. When the torus is of large dimension these symmetries can become infinite-dimensional and of Kac-Moody type. When taking quantum effects into account the symmetries become discrete and invariant functions under these symmetries should play an important role in quantum gravity. The new results here concern surprising simplifications in the constant ter...