A nonsupersymmetric matrix orbifold

We consider compactifications of the matrix model of M-theory on $S^1/Z_2\times T^d$ for $d>0$, and interpret them as orbifolds of the supersymmetric U(N) Yang-Mills theory on $R\times T^{d+1}$. The orbifold group acts both on the gauge group and on the $T^{d+1}$, reduces the gauge group to O(N) over 1+1 dimensional fixed-point submanifolds, and breaks half of the supersymmetry. We clarify some puzzling aspects of the gauge anomaly cancellation in the presence of space-time W...

We study a matrix model describing type IIB superstring in orbifold backgrounds. We particularly consider a {\bf C}^3/{\bf Z}_3 orbifold model whose six dimensional transverse space is orbifolded by {\bf Z}_3 discrete symmetry. This model is chiral and has d=4 {\cal N}=1 supersymmetry of Yang-Mills type as well as an inhomogeneous supersymmetry specific to matrix models. We calculate one-loop effective action around some backgrounds, and the result can be interpreted as inter...

Via compactification on a circle, the matrix model of M-theory proposed by Banks et al suggests a concrete identification between the large N limit of two-dimensional N=8 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and type IIA string theory. In this paper we collect evidence that supports this identification. We explicitly identify the perturbative string states and their interactions, and describe the appearance of D-particle and D-membrane states.

We study a ${{\IZ}}_2$ orbifold of Type 0B string theory by reflection of six of the coordinates (this theory may also be thought of as a ${{\IZ}}_4$ orbifold of Type IIB string theory by a rotation by $\pi$ in three independent planes). We show that the only massless mode localized on the fixed fourplane $\IR^{3,1}$ is a U(1) gauge field. After introducing D3-branes parallel to the fixed fourplane we find non-supersymmetric non-abelian gauge theories on their worldvolume. On...

A matrix model for type 0 strings is proposed. It consists in making a non-supersymmetric orbifold projection in the Yang-Mills theory and identifying the infrared configurations of the system at infinite coupling with strings. The correct partition function is calculated. Also, the usual spectrum of branes is found. Both type A and B models are constructed. The model in a torus contains all the degrees of freedom and interpolates between the four string theories (IIA, IIB, 0...

We discuss theoretical implications of the large k USp(2k) matrix model in zero dimension. The model appears as the matrix model of type IIB superstrings on a large $T^{6}/Z^{2}$ orientifold via the matrix twist operation. In the small volume limit, the model behaves four dimensional and its T dual is six-dimensional worldvolume theory of type I superstrings in ten spacetime dimensions. Several theoretical considerations including the analysis on planar diagrams, the commutat...

M(atrix) theory on an orbifold and classical two-branes therein are studied with particular emphasis to heterotic M(atrix) theory on $S_1/Z_2$ relevant to strongly coupled heterotic and dual Type IA string theories. By analyzing orbifold condition on Chan-Paton factors, we show that three choice of gauge group are possible for heterotic M(atrix) theory: SO(2N), SO(2N+1) or USp(2N). By examining area-preserving diffeomorphism that underlies the M(atrix) theory, we find that ea...

The matrix model formulation of M-theory can be generalized by compactification to ten-dimensional type II string theory, formulated in the infinite momentum frame. Both the type IIA and IIB string theories can be formulated in this way. In the M-theory and type IIA cases, the transverse rotational invariance is manifest, but in the IIB case, one of the transverse dimensions materializes in a completely different way from the other seven. The full O(8) rotational symmetry the...

It has not been clarified whether a matrix model can describe various vacua of string theory. In this paper, we show that the IIB matrix model includes type IIA string theory. In the naive large N limit of the IIB matrix model, configurations consisting of simultaneously diagonalizable matrices form a moduli space, although the unique vacuum would be determined by complicated dynamics. This moduli space should correspond to a part of perturbatively stable vacua of string theo...

We study whether orbifold models are equivalently rewritten into torus models in the case of fermionic string theories. It is pointed out that symmetric orbifold models cannot be rewritten into torus models in the case of fermionic string theories because of the absence of twist-untwist intertwining currents on the orbifold models. We present a list of current algebras on asymmetric $Z_N$-orbifold models of type II superstring theories with inner automorphisms of Lie algebra ...