How Does T-Duality Affect the Tension Coefficient in String Theory Actions?

In summary: Therefore, in summary, the coefficient $T_p$ in the two actions $S_1$ and $S_2$ is related by a factor of $R$ under T-duality.
  • #1
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I'm working on a problem involving the following action:
$$S_1 = T_{p+1}\int{d^{p+2}\sigma (\frac{1}{4}\alpha'^2 F_{\mu\nu}F^{\mu\nu} + \frac{1}{2} \partial_\alpha X^i \partial^{\alpha} X^J \delta_{ij}+ \text{interaction terms})}$$
which represents the action of an effective free string theory in a low energy limit, thus focusing on the massless sector of the theory. This action represent a (p+1) brane in $$\mathbb{R}^{1,p} \times S^1$$ spacetime (so one dimension has been compactified into a circle). Here $F = dA$ is a 2-form on a (p+2) lorentzian manifold and $\alpha'$ is a constant (which I believe to be the Regge slope).

Then I was told that if we focus on the massless sector restricting ourself to ##n=0## modes for the momentum in the compact dimension (which is quantised), we get the following action:

$$S_{2} = -2\pi RT_{p+1} \int d^{p+1}\sigma\left(\frac{1}{4} \alpha'^2F_{\alpha\beta}F^{\alpha \beta} + \frac{1}{2} (\alpha' \partial_\alpha A_z)(\alpha' \partial^\alpha A_z)+\frac{1}{2}\partial_\alpha X^i \partial^\alpha X^j \delta_{ij}\right)$$

Now I was asked to comment on the fact on how the coefficient ##T_p## would transform under T-Duality, but I'm struggling to think about this. What I can intuitively see here is that these two actions must be the same under T-Duality so I would assume that the transformation of ##T_p## is simply given by multiplying by the circumference of the circle. However, I'm not sure because ##R## has dimensions so I'm not sure if this follows.
 
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  • #2


I would like to first clarify the notation used in the forum post. The action $S_1$ represents the effective action of a (p+1) brane in a (p+2) dimensional spacetime, with one dimension compactified into a circle. The terms in the action involve the 2-form field $F$ and the scalar fields $X^i$. The constant $\alpha'$ is the Regge slope, which is a fundamental parameter in string theory.

Moving on to the action $S_2$, it represents the same (p+1) brane in a (p+1) dimensional spacetime, with the momentum in the compact dimension quantized to n=0 modes. The terms in this action involve the 2-form field $F$ and the scalar fields $X^i$, as well as the compactified dimension represented by the field $A_z$. The constant $R$ represents the circumference of the compactified circle.

Now, in order to understand how the coefficient $T_p$ transforms under T-duality, we need to first understand what T-duality is. T-duality is a symmetry of string theory that relates two different string theories. In this case, it relates the string theory in a (p+2) dimensional spacetime to the string theory in a (p+1) dimensional spacetime.

Under T-duality, the fields and coordinates in the two theories are related by a transformation, and the action in one theory is related to the action in the other theory by a constant factor. In this case, the two actions $S_1$ and $S_2$ are related by T-duality, and the constant factor is given by the circumference of the compactified circle, $R$. This means that the coefficient $T_p$ in the two actions is related by a factor of $R$. In other words, $T_p$ in $S_2$ is equal to $RT_p$ in $S_1$.

In conclusion, the coefficient $T_p$ in the two actions $S_1$ and $S_2$ is related by a factor of $R$ under T-duality. This shows the symmetry of T-duality in relating two different string theories.
 

FAQ: How Does T-Duality Affect the Tension Coefficient in String Theory Actions?

What is T-duality in string theory?

T-duality is a symmetry in string theory that relates two theories with different spacetime geometries. Specifically, it connects a theory compactified on a circle of radius R with another theory compactified on a circle of radius 1/R. This duality implies that strings propagating in these two different geometries can exhibit equivalent physical phenomena.

How does T-duality affect the tension of a string?

Under T-duality, the tension of the string remains invariant. However, the roles of winding modes and momentum modes are interchanged. The tension coefficient in the action, which is related to the string tension, does not change, but the physical interpretation of the modes that contribute to the energy spectrum does.

Does T-duality change the form of the string action?

T-duality can change the form of the string action by interchanging the roles of certain fields and coordinates, particularly when compactification is involved. However, the overall structure of the action, including the tension coefficient, remains consistent. The duality transformation often leads to a different but equivalent description of the same physical system.

What is the significance of the tension coefficient in string theory actions?

The tension coefficient, often denoted by T or α', is a fundamental parameter in string theory that determines the energy per unit length of a string. It plays a crucial role in the dynamics of strings, influencing the mass spectrum of string excitations and the behavior of the string under various interactions and dualities, including T-duality.

How does T-duality impact the compactified dimensions in string theory?

T-duality specifically affects the compactified dimensions by relating a compactification radius R to its inverse 1/R. This means that a large compact dimension can be equivalently described by a small compact dimension and vice versa. This duality has profound implications for understanding the geometry and topology of the extra dimensions in string theory.

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