Topological structures in string theory

Conference item

In string theory space-time comes equipped with an additional geometric structure called a B-field or 'gerbe'. I describe this structure, mention its relationship with noncommutative geometry, and explain how to use the B-field to define a twisted version of the K-theory of space-time. String-theoretical space-time can contain topologically non-trivial dynamical structures called D-branes. These are simply accounted for in the framework of conformal field theory. In a highly simplified limiting case-topological field theory with a finite gauge group - the D-branes naturally represent elements of the twisted K-theory of space-time: the K-theory class is the 'charge' of the D-brane.

Authors: Segal, G

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES A-MATHEMATICAL PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES
• Volume: 359
• Issue: 1784
• Pages: 1389-1398
• Publication date: 2001-07-15
• Event title: Meeting on Topological Methods in the Physical Sciences
• DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2001.0841
• EISSN: 1471-2962
• ISSN: 1364-503X
• Keywords: D-branes; B-fields; gerbes; string backgrounds; twisted K-theory