K-theory and Ramond-Ramond charge

We discuss the relation between the Ramond-Ramond charges of D-branes and the topology of Chan-Paton vector bundles. We show that a topologically nontrivial normal bundle induces RR charge and that the result fits in perfectly with the proposal that D-brane charge is the topology of the Chan-Paton bundle, regarded as an element of K-theory.Comment: 8 pages, harvmac. Partial retraction of the partial retraction, as explained in note adde

Mirror symmetry & supersymmetry on SU(4)-structure backgrounds

We revisit the backgrounds of type IIB on manifolds with $SU(4)$-structure and discuss two sets of solutions arising from internal geometries that are complex and symplectic respectively. Both can be realized in terms of generalized complex geometry. We identify a map which relates the complex and symplectic supersymmetric systems. In the semi-flat torus bundle setting this map corresponds to T-duality and suggest a way of extending the mirror transform to non-K\"ahler geometries.Comment: 40 page

N=2 higher-derivative couplings from strings

We consider the Calabi-Yau reduction of the Type IIA eight derivative one-loop stringy corrections focusing on the couplings of the four dimensional gravity multiplet with vector multiplets and a tensor multiplet containing the NS two-form. We obtain a variety of higher derivative invariants generalising the one-loop topological string coupling, $F_1$, controlled by the lowest order Kahler potential and two new non-topological quantities built out of the Calabi-Yau Riemann curvature.Comment: 43 page