Finite Gauge Transformations and Geometry in Double Field Theory

Recently proposed forms for gauge transformations with finite parameters in double field theory are discussed and problematic issues are identified. A new form for finite gauge transformations is derived that reveals the underlying gerbe structure and the close relationship with generalised geometry. The nature of generalised tensors is elucidated, and in particular it is seen that the presence of a constant metric with split signature does not restrict the doubled geometry, provided it is a generalised tensor rather than a conventional tensor.Comment: 28 page

Non-geometric strings, symplectic gravity and differential geometry of Lie algebroids

Based on the structure of a Lie algebroid for non-geometric fluxes in string theory, a differential-geometry calculus is developed which combines usual diffeomorphisms with so-called \beta-diffeomorphisms emanating from gauge symmetries of the Kalb-Ramond field. This allows to construct a bi-invariant action of Einstein-Hilbert type comprising a metric, a (quasi-)symplectic structure \beta and a dilaton. As a salient feature, this symplectic gravity action and the resulting equations of motion take a form which is similar to the standard action and field equations. Furthermore, the two actions turn out to be related via a field redefinition reminiscent of the Seiberg-Witten limit. Remarkably, this redefinition admits a direct generalization to higher-order \alpha'-corrections and to the additional fields and couplings appearing in the effective action of the superstring. Simple solutions to the equations of motion of the symplectic gravity action, including Calabi-Yau geometries, are discussed.Comment: 42 pages; v2: published versio

Geometric Lagrangians for massive higher-spin fields

Lagrangians for massive, unconstrained, higher-spin bosons and fermions are proposed. The idea is to modify the geometric, gauge invariant Lagrangians describing the corresponding massless theories by the addition of suitable quadratic polynomials. These polynomials provide generalisations of the Fierz-Pauli mass term containing all possible traces of the basic field. No auxiliary fields are needed.Comment: 50 pages, 3 appendices; typos corrected, comments and references added. To appear in Nucl. Phys.

The geometry of supersymmetric coset models and superconformal algebras

An on-shell formulation of (p,q), 2\leq p \leq 4, 0\leq q\leq 4, supersymmetric coset models with target space the group G and gauge group a subgroup H of G is given. It is shown that there is a correspondence between the number of supersymmetries of a coset model and the geometry of the coset space G/H. The algebras of currents of supersymmetric coset models are superconformal algebras. In particular, the algebras of currents of (2,2) and (4,0) supersymmetric coset models are related to the N=2 Kazama-Suzuki and N=4 Van Proeyen superconformal algebras correspondingly.Comment: pages 2