M Theory Fivebrane and SQCD

In this talk we will review the construction of M2-brane SCFT's highlighting some novelties and the role of 3-algebras. Parts of our discussion will closely follow parts of arXiv:1203.3546. Next we will discuss M5-branes: the basics, the obstacles as well as various attempts to construct the associated SCFT and potential relations between M2-branes and M5-branes.

Lecture notes reviewing most recent developments in string/M/brane theory given by C. G. at the CIME Summer International Center of Mathematics at Cetraro. July 1997.

The talk contains a brief introduction string theory, followed by a discussion of some of the recent developments.

The fivebrane of M theory -- the M5-brane -- is an especially interesting object. It plays a central role in a geometric understanding of the Seiberg-Witten solution of N=2 D=4 gauge theories as well as in certain new 6d quantum theories. The low energy effective action is an interacting theory of a (2,0) tensor multiplet. The fact that this multiplet contains a two-form gauge field with a self-dual field strength poses special challenges. Recent progress in addressing those ...

In this talk I will survey some of the basic facts about superstring theories in 10 dimensions and the dualities that relate them to M theory in 11 dimensions. Then I will mention some important unresolved issues.

Brane actions with chiral bosons present special challenges. Recent progress in the description of the two main examples -- the M theory five-brane and the heterotic string -- is described. Also, double dimensional reduction of the M theory five-brane on K3 is shown to give the heterotic string.

The different aspects of superstring phenomenology before and after 1995 are briefly reviewed. (Contribution to the conference SUSY97)

This is a brief review of the present status, of some recent developments and of the open challenges in string/M theory.

This presentation is intended to give a flavour of the physics to be studied and discovered by exploiting the interface between string theory, M-theory and field theory provided by the dynamics of extended objects called `branes', and their relationships under string duality. It is quite non-technical, with very few equations but many pictorial illustrations to aid the reader. There is only a moderate amount of text, as the content is based upon transparencies which were inte...

This is a rendering of a review talk on the state of String Theory, given at the EPS-2003 Conference, intended for a wide audience of experimental and theoretical physicists. It emphasizes general ideas rather than technical aspects.