Ribbon graphs and mirror symmetry

Given a ribbon graph \u393 with some extra structure, we define, using constructible sheaves, a dg category CPM(\u393) meant to model the Fukaya category of a Riemann surface in the cell of Teichm\ufcller space described by \u393. When \u393 is appropriately decorated and admits a combinatorial \u201ctorus fibration with section,\u201d we construct from \u393 a one-dimensional algebraic stack X\u393 with toric components. We prove that our model is equivalent to Perf(X\u393), the dg category of perfect complexes on X\u393

Stokes matrices for the quantum differential equations of some Fano varieties

The classical Stokes matrices for the quantum differential equation of projective n-space are computed, using multisummation and the so-called monodromy identity. Thus, we recover the results of D. Guzzetti that confirm Dubrovin's conjecture for projective spaces. The same method yields explicit formulas for the Stokes matrices of the quantum differential equations of smooth Fano hypersurfaces in projective n-space and for weighted projective spaces.Comment: 20 pages. Introduction has been changed. Small corrections in the tex

Coisotropic Branes, Noncommutativity, and the Mirror Correspondence

We study coisotropic A-branes in the sigma model on a four-torus by explicitly constructing examples. We find that morphisms between coisotropic branes can be equated with a fundamental representation of the noncommutatively deformed algebra of functions on the intersection. The noncommutativity parameter is expressed in terms of the bundles on the branes. We conjecture these findings hold in general. To check mirror symmetry, we verify that the dimensions of morphism spaces are equal to the corresponding dimensions of morphisms between mirror objects.Comment: 13 page

Constraints on Low-Dimensional String Compactifications

We study the restrictions imposed by cancellation of the tadpoles for two, three, and four-form gauge fields in string theory, M-theory and F-theory compactified to two, three and four dimensions, respectively. For a large class of supersymmetric vacua, turning on a sufficient number of strings, membranes and three-branes, respectively, can cancel the tadpoles, and preserve supersymmetry. However, there are cases where the tadpole cannot be removed in this way, either because the tadpole is fractional, or because of its sign. For M-theory and F-theory compactifications, we also explore the relation of the membranes and three-branes to the nonperturbative space-time superpotential.Comment: 16 pages, harvma

Monopole and Dyon Bound States in N=2 Supersymmetric Yang-Mills Theories

We study the existence of monopole bound states saturating the BPS bound in N=2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. We describe how the existence of such bound states relates to the topology of index bundles over the moduli space of BPS solutions. Using an $L^2$ index theorem, we prove the existence of certain BPS states predicted by Seiberg and Witten based on their study of the vacuum structure of N=2 Yang-Mills theories.Comment: 34 pages, harvma

Quantum symmetries and exceptional collections

We study the interplay between discrete quantum symmetries at certain points in the moduli space of Calabi-Yau compactifications, and the associated identities that the geometric realization of D-brane monodromies must satisfy. We show that in a wide class of examples, both local and compact, the monodromy identities in question always follow from a single mathematical statement. One of the simplest examples is the Z_5 symmetry at the Gepner point of the quintic, and the associated D-brane monodromy identity

On Duality Walls in String Theory

Following the RG flow of an N=1 quiver gauge theory and applying Seiberg duality whenever necessary defines a duality cascade, that in simple cases has been understood holographically. It has been argued that in certain cases, the dualities will pile up at a certain energy scale called the duality wall, accompanied by a dramatic rise in the number of degrees of freedom. In string theory, this phenomenon is expected to occur for branes at a generic threefold singularity, for which the associated quiver has Lorentzian signature. We here study sequences of Seiberg dualities on branes at the C_3/Z_3 orbifold singularity. We use the naive beta functions to define an (unphysical) scale along the cascade. We determine, as a function of initial conditions, the scale of the wall as well as the critical exponent governing the approach to it. The position of the wall is piecewise linear, while the exponent appears to be constant. We comment on the possible implications of these results for physical walls.Comment: 22 pages, 2 figures. v2: physical interpretation rectified, reference adde

Topological Orbifold Models and Quantum Cohomology Rings

We discuss the toplogical sigma model on an orbifold target space. We describe the moduli space of classical minima for computing correlation functions involving twisted operators, and show, through a detailed computation of an orbifold of ${\bf CP}^1$ by the dihedral group $D_{4},$ how to compute the complete ring of observables. Through this procedure, we compute all the rings from dihedral ${\bf CP}^1$ orbifolds; we note a similarity with rings derived from perturbed $D-$series superpotentials of the $A-D-E$ classification of $N = 2$ minimal models. We then consider ${\bf CP}^2/D_4,$ and show how the techniques of topological-anti-topological fusion might be used to compute twist field correlation functions for nonabelian orbifolds.Comment: 48 pages, harvmac, HUTP-92/A06

Minimal Family Unification

Absract It is proposed that there exist, within a new $SU(2)^{'}$, a gauged discrete group $Q_6$ (the order 12 double dihedral group) acting as a family symmetry. This nonabelian finite group can explain hierarchical features of families, using an assignment for quarks and leptons dictated by the requirements of anomaly cancellation and of no additional quarks.Comment: 10 pages, IFP-701-UNC;VAND-TH-94-