Why Is the Matrix Model Correct?
Abstract
We consider the compactification of M theory on a lightlike circle as a limit of a compactification on a small spatial circle boosted by a large amount. Assuming that the compactification on a small spatial circle is weakly coupled type-IIA theory, we derive Susskind's conjecture that M theory compactified on a lightlike circle is given by the finite N version of the matrix model of Banks, Fischler, Shenker, and Susskind. This point of view provides a uniform derivation of the matrix model for M theory compactified on a transverse torus Tp for p = 0,...,5 and clarifies the difficulties for larger values of p.
- Publication:
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Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- November 1997
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.79.3577
- arXiv:
- arXiv:hep-th/9710009
- Bibcode:
- 1997PhRvL..79.3577S
- Keywords:
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- High Energy Physics - Theory
- E-Print:
- 9 pages