Supersymmetric black holes in string theory

Abstract

We review recent developments concerning supersymmetric black holes in string theory. After a general introduction to the laws of black hole mechanics and to black hole entropy in string theory, we discuss black hole solutions in N=2 supergravity, special geometry, the black hole attractor equations and the underlying variational principle. Special attention is payed to the crucial role of higher derivative corrections. Finally we discuss black hole partition functions and their relation to the topological string, mainly from the supergravity perspective. We try to summarize the state of art and discuss various open questions and problems.Comment: 43 pages, based on a talk given at the midterm meeting of the RTN project `Constituents, Fundamental Forces and Symmetries of the Universe' in Naples, October 9-13, 200