Neveu-Schwarz Five-Branes And Matrix String Theory On K3

The Matrix theory description of Type IIA string theory on a compact K3 surface as the theory of Neveu-Schwarz five-branes on $\tilde{K3}\times S^1$ is analyzed. The full multiplet of space-time BPS states is identified in the five-brane world-volume as fluxes.Comment: harvmac, 12 pages, some changes in the T-duality on K3 sectio

The Coulomb Branch of (4,4) Supersymmetric Field Theories in Two Dimensions

We study (4,4) supersymmetric field theories in two dimensions with a one dimensional Coulomb branch. These theories have applications in string theory. Our analysis explains the known relation between $A-D-E$ groups and modular invariants of affine SU(2).Comment: 18 pages, minor change

Fractional Branes and Boundary States in Orbifold Theories

We study the D-brane spectrum of N=2 string orbifold theories using the boundary state formalism. The construction is carried out for orbifolds with isolated singularities, non-isolated singularities and orbifolds with discrete torsion. Our results agree with the corresponding K-theoretic predictions when they are available and generalize them when they are not. This suggests that the classification of boundary states provides a sort of "quantum K-theory" just as chiral rings in CFT provide "quantum" generalizations of cohomology. We discuss the identification of these states with D-branes wrapping holomorphic cycles in the large radius limit of the CFT moduli space. The example C^3/Z_3 is worked out in full detail using local mirror symmetry techniques. We find a precise correspondence between fractional branes at the orbifold point and configurations of D-branes described by vector bundles on the exceptional P^2 cycle.Comment: 48 pages, Harvmac, 3 postscript figures, references and a note adde

Spectral Covers, Charged Matter and Bundle Cohomology

We consider four dimensional heterotic compactifications on smooth elliptic Calabi-Yau threefolds. Using spectral cover techniques, we study bundle cohomology groups corresponding to charged matter multiplets. The analysis shows that in generic situations, the resulting charged matter spectrum is stable under deformations of the vector bundle.Comment: 17 pages, harvmac; minor change