String Theory Effects on Five-Dimensional Black Hole Physics

Abstract

We discuss recent developments in the study of black holes and similar compact objects in string theory. The focus is on how these solutions are effected by higher-derivative terms in an effective action. The setting of this investigation is an off-shell formulation of five-dimensional supergravity, including terms of order four-derivatives whose precise form are determined by embedding this theory in M-theory. We find that certain singular solutions are fully regularized by the higher-derivative terms and that generic solutions receive calculable corrections to the entropy, or other relevant quantities such as the dual central charge. A particular solution studied corresponds to the geometry sourced by a fundamental string and may set the stage for a new and exciting example of holography.