PIRSA:07120006

Geometric Phases in String Theory

Sonner, J. (2007). Geometric Phases in String Theory. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/07120006

Sonner, Julian. Geometric Phases in String Theory. Perimeter Institute, Dec. 11, 2007, https://pirsa.org/07120006 

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:07120006,
            doi = {10.48660/07120006},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/07120006},
            author = {Sonner, Julian},
            keywords = {Quantum Fields and Strings},
            language = {en},
            title = {Geometric Phases in String Theory},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2007},
            month = {dec},
            note = {PIRSA:07120006 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }

Julian Sonner Imperial College London

DOI 10.48660/07120006
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

I will describe the emergence of geometric (Berry) phases in supersymmetric systems. In theories with degenerate states, non-Abelian geometric phases can arise. I show how supersymmetry helps to ensure the existence of this phenomenon by invoking the examples of systems with (2,2) and (4,4) supersymmetry. In the former, I show how instantons contribute crucially to the form of the non-Abelian phase. The latter system applies to D0-D4 brane dynamics in string theory, leading to a surprising re-interpretation of the Berry phase in terms of gravitational precession of a probe brane. Towards the end will comment on some work in progress on the geometric phase in (8,8) SUSY systems.