Strong Coupling Dynamics of Branes from M-theory

TL;DR

This work uses the M-theory–IIA correspondence on $S^1$ to probe strong coupling dynamics of D6-branes, anti-D6-branes, and orientifold planes, recasting them as Kaluza-Klein dipole and Atiyah–Hitchin geometries. The open-string states are mapped to wrapped membranes on bolt surfaces, yielding finite, nonzero masses even at zero brane separation and describing static configurations stabilized by external magnetic fields. It also derives the anomalous gravitational couplings of D6-branes and orientifold planes from the M-theory $\int C \wedge X_8(R)$ term, showing consistent coefficients with K3 duality and other string constructions. Collectively, the results illuminate non-perturbative strong coupling effects and worldvolume couplings for branes and orientifolds within the M-theory framework.

Abstract

We study some aspects of the strong coupling dynamics of Dirichlet six branes, anti- six branes, and orientifold planes by using the equivalence of type IIA string theory and M-theory on S^1. In the strong coupling limit there exists static configuration of brane and anti-brane at arbitrary separation, suspended in an external magnetic field. The mass of the open string stretched between the brane and the anti-brane approaches a finite positive value even when the branes coincide. Similar result is obtained for a Dirichlet six brane on top of an orientifold six plane. We also derive the anomalous gravitational interaction on the brane and the orientifold plane from M-theory.