This article discusses the link between matrix models and string theory, giving emphasis on topological string theory and the Dijkgraaf–Vafa correspondence, along with applications of this correspondence and its generalizations to supersymmetric gauge theory, enumerative geometry, and mirror symmetry. The article first provides an overview of strings and matrices, noting that the correspondence between matrix models and string theory makes it possible to solve both non-critical strings and topological strings. It then describes some basic aspects of topological strings on Calabi-Yau manifolds and states the Dijkgraaf–Vafa correspondence, focusing on how it is connected to string dualities and how it can be used to compute superpotentials in certain supersymmetric gauge theories. In addition, it shows how the correspondence extends to toric manifolds and leads to a matrix model approach to enumerative geometry. Finally, it reviews matrix quantum mechanics and its applications in superstring theory.
The Derived Category of Coherent Sheaves and B-model Topological String Theory
