T-Duality on Torus: Inverting Radii & Interchanging A- & B-Cycles

  • Thread starter "pi"mp
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Torus
In summary, the conversation discusses T-duality and its application to compactifying a 2-torus. It is mentioned that there are different types of transformations, including swapping the A and B-cycles, and these can be performed singly or composed for more complicated transformations. A reference is also given for further information on this topic.
  • #1
"pi"mp
129
1
I think I have a relatively decent grasp on T-duality where we've compactified [itex] S^{1} [/itex]. However, when compactifying a 2-torus, is the T-duality transformation where you invert both radii of the two circles simultaneously, or is the claim that you can invert one of the two, leaving the other fixed, and yield the same physics?

I suspect that it's the second choice. If indeed this is the case, is there anything at all special about the case where you invert both radii simultaneously? I believe this is equivalent to merely interchanging the A-cycle and B-cycle on the torus.

Thanks in advance :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
On a ##d## torus, the T-duality is actually enlarged a group ##O(d,d;\mathbb{Z})## of transformations. Some of these are analogous to ##R\rightarrow 1/R##, but others involve a change of basis of the lattice of the torus (which includes the coordinate redefinition that swaps the A and B-cycles.) So we can perform these transformations singly or compose them to form more complicated transformations.

A standard reference on this is http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/9401139. More specifically, that group is described in section 2.4, where the 3 types of generators are explained on pages 23-4.
 
  • Like
Likes "pi"mp

1. What is T-Duality on Torus?

T-Duality on Torus is a mathematical concept in string theory that describes the relationship between two different geometric configurations of a string, known as the A-cycle and B-cycle, on a torus. It involves inverting the radii and interchanging the A- and B-cycles, resulting in two distinct but equivalent configurations.

2. How does T-Duality on Torus work?

T-Duality on Torus is based on the idea that the geometry of a torus can be described by two circles, known as the A-cycle and B-cycle. These circles have different radii and are perpendicular to each other. By inverting the radii and interchanging the A- and B-cycles, the resulting configuration is equivalent to the original one, but with different values for the radii.

3. What are the applications of T-Duality on Torus?

T-Duality on Torus has many applications in string theory, including the study of compactification of extra dimensions and the relationship between different string theories. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the duality between gravity and gauge theories.

4. What is the significance of inverting radii and interchanging A- and B-cycles in T-Duality on Torus?

Inverting the radii and interchanging the A- and B-cycles in T-Duality on Torus allows for the exploration of different geometric configurations of a string on a torus, while still maintaining the same physical properties. This duality helps simplify calculations and allows for new insights into the nature of string theory.

5. Are there any limitations to T-Duality on Torus?

While T-Duality on Torus is a powerful tool in string theory, it does have its limitations. It only applies to compact dimensions, which means it cannot be applied to all string theories. Additionally, it does not work for dimensions with an odd number of spacetime dimensions.

Similar threads

  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
776
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
51
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
25
Views
845
  • General Math
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
765
Back
Top