Octonions and M-theory

It is shown that the $M$-algebra related with the $M$ theory comes in two variants. Besides the standard $M$ algebra based on the real structure, an alternative octonionic formulation can be consistently introduced. This second variant has striking features. It involves only 52 real bosonic generators instead of 528 of the standard $M$ algebra and moreover presents a novel and surprising feature, its octonionic $M5$ (super-5-brane) sector is no longer independent, but coincid...

This is an expository paper. Its purpose is to explain the linear algebra that underlies Donaldson-Thomas theory and the geometry of Riemannian manifolds with holonomy in $G_2$ and ${\rm Spin}(7)$.

There is a growing interest in the logical possibility that exceptional mathematical structures (exceptional Lie and superLie algebras, the exceptional Jordan algebra, etc.) could be linked to an ultimate "exceptional" formulation for a Theory Of Everything (TOE). The maximal division algebra of the octonions can be held as the mathematical responsible for the existence of the exceptional structures mentioned above. In this context it is quite motivating to systematically inv...

We construct an explicit example of a generalized Lie 3-algebra from the octonions. In combination with the result of arXiv:0807.0808, this gives rise to a three-dimensional N=2 Chern-Simons-matter theory with exceptional gauge group G_2 and with global symmetry SU(4)\times U(1). This gives a possible candidate for the theory on multiple M2-branes with G_2 gauge symmetry.

We analyze the geometrical background under which many Lie groups relevant to particle physics are endowed with a (possibly multiple) hexagonal structure. There are several groups appearing, either as special holonomy groups on the compactification process from higher dimensions, or as dynamical string gauge groups; this includes groups like SU(2),SU(3), G_2, Spin(7), SO(8) as well as E_8 and SO(32). We emphasize also the relation of these hexagonal structures with the octoni...

Octonions are introduced through some spin representations. The groups $G_2$, $F_4$ and the $E$ series appear in a natural manner; one way to understand octonions is as the "second coming" of the reals, but with the spinors instead of vectors. Some physical applications in $M$- and $F$-theory as putative "theories of everything" are suggested.

Attempts to extend our previous work using the octonions to describe fundamental particles lead naturally to the consideration of a particular real, noncompact form of the exceptional Lie group E6, and of its subgroups. We are therefore led to a description of E6 in terms of 3x3 octonionic matrices, generalizing previous results in the 2x2 case. Our treatment naturally includes a description of several important subgroups of E6, notably G2, F4, and (the double cover of) SO(9,...

We consider manifolds with special holonomy groups SU(3), G2 and Spin(7) as suitable for compactification of superstrings, M-theory and F-theory (with only one time) respectively. The relations of these groups with the octonions are discussed, reinforcing their role in the physics of string theory and duality. We also exhibit three triple exact sequences explaining the connections between the mentioned special holonomy groups.

The generalized supersymmetries admitting abelian bosonic tensorial central charges are classified in accordance with their division algebra structure (over ${\bf R}$, ${\bf C}$, ${\bf H}$ or ${\bf O}$). It is shown in particular that in D=11 dimensions, the $M$-superalgebra admits a consistent octonionic formulation, involving 52 real bosonic generators (in place of the 528 of the standard $M$-superalgebra). The octonionic $M5$ (super-5-brane) sector coincides with the octon...

These notes give an informal and leisurely introduction to $\mathrm{G}_2$ geometry for beginners. A special emphasis is placed on understanding the special linear algebraic structure in $7$ dimensions that is the pointwise model for $\mathrm{G}_2$ geometry, using the octonions. The basics of $\mathrm{G}_2$-structures are introduced, from a Riemannian geometric point of view, including a discussion of the torsion and its relation to curvature for a general $\mathrm{G}_2$-struc...