3
$\begingroup$

Type IIB string theory is chiral. Do there exist non-chiral $\mathcal{N}=2$ II SUGRA theories? The answer is apparently yes. Additionally how do we understand the fact that Type IIB SUGRA is chiral and $\mathcal{N}=2$ SUSY gauge theory is (famously) non-chiral? What is the relation or what should I think about the non-chirality of extended susy and chirality of extended SUGRA?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

4
$\begingroup$

In fact the answer is "yes", the non-chiral type $II$ sugra thoery is called type $II$ A. You can obtain it by dimensional reduction from the $M$-theory sugra in $d=11$. The (massless) spectrum of type $II$ B contains spinor representations of just one chirality (which one is matter of convention), while type $II$ A contains representations of both chiralities.

The fact you say about the $\mathcal{N}=2$ supergauge theory is true in $d=4$, but not in general.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.