O(D,D)-covariant two-loop β-functions and Poisson-Lie T-duality

We show that the one- and two-loop β-functions of the closed, bosonic string can be written in a manifestly O(D,D)-covariant form. Based on this result, we prove that1) Poisson-Lie symmetric σ-models are two-loop renormalisable and2) their β-functions are invariant under Poisson-Lie T-duality.Moreover, we identify a distinguished scheme in which Poisson-Lie symmetry is manifest. It simplifies the calculation of two-loop β-functions significantly and thereby provides a powerful new tool to advance into the quantum regime of integrable σ-models and generalised T-dualities. As an illustrating example, we present the two-loop β-functions of the integrable λ- and η-deformation.

Actions for self-dual Higher Spin Gravities

Higher Spin Gravities are scarce, but covariant actions for them are even scarcer. We construct covariant actions for contractions of Chiral Higher Spin Gravity that represent higher spin extensions of self-dual Yang-Mills and self-dual Gravity theories. The actions give examples of complete higher spin theories both in flat and (anti)-de Sitter spaces that feature gauge and gravitational interactions. The actions are based on a new description of higher spin fields, whose origin can be traced to early works on twistor theory. The new description simplifies the structure of interactions. In particular, we find a covariant form of the minimal gravitational interaction for higher spin fields both in flat and anti-de Sitter space, which resolves some of the puzzles in the literature.

Special Covariance

In this chapter we study the special theory of relativity. We begin with the metric and construct all consequences such as the kinematical quantities, 4-vectors and tensors, Lorentz transformations, geometric interpretations, conservation of 4-momentum and collision problems. We conclude with a discussion of electrodynamics in covariant form.

Tensors

In this chapter we develop the concept of tensors, their meaning, and how they arise from vectors. Emphasis is placed on tensor transformations, covariance between coordinate systems, and relation to the metric. The concept of metric connection and the Christoffel symbols is introduced in three dimensions via the easily visualizable idea of parallel transport. Derivatives and intergrals in covariant form are discussed. The first two chapters are designed to familiarize the reader with the language that is the bread and butter of the general theory of relativity and other higher geometric theories.

F-theory from fundamental five-branes

We describe the worldvolume for the bosonic sector of the lower-dimensional F-theory that embeds 4D, N=1 M-theory and the 3D Type II superstring. The worldvolume (5-brane) theory is that of a single 6D gauge 2-form XMN(σP) whose field strength is selfdual. Thus unlike string theory, the spacetime indices are tied to the worldsheet ones: in the Hamiltonian formalism, the spacetime coordinates are a 10 of the GL(5) of the 5 σ’s (neglecting τ). The current algebra gives a rederivation of the F-bracket. The background-independent subalgebra of the Virasoro algebra gives the usual section condition, while a new type of section condition follows from Gauß’s law, tying the worldvolume to spacetime: solving just the old condition yields M-theory, while solving only the new one gives the manifestly T-dual version of the string, and the combination produces the usual string. We also find a covariant form of the condition that dimensionally reduces the string coordinates.

Explicitly covariant form of the integral Maxwell equations

It is analyzed in detail the covariance of the integral forms of the Maxwell Equations. Different forms of writing the integral Maxwell equations in explicitly covariant form are analyzed. First we show how one of these ways can be obtained from the differential Maxwell equations, both from their usual three vector form as from their covariant four vector form. Then we discuss how this covariant integral Maxwell equations can be obtained from usual integral Maxwell equations. It is emphasized the necessity to write the usual integral equations without time derivatives. The integrations regions in the three-dimensional space and time are identified with parts of the same hyper-surface in four-dimensional space-time. This point is carefully analyzed. Later we discuss other forms of the integral Maxwell equations. We show how these new versions can be expressed in an explicitly covariant form.

Cosmological hyperfluids, torsion and non-metricity

We develop a novel model for cosmological hyperfluids, that is fluids with intrinsic hypermomentum that induce spacetime torsion and non-metricity. Imposing the cosmological principle to metric-affine spaces, we present the most general covariant form of the hypermomentum tensor in an FLRW Universe along with its conservation laws and therefore construct a novel hyperfluid model for cosmological purposes. Extending the previous model of the unconstrained hyperfluid in a cosmological setting we establish the conservation laws for energy–momentum and hypermomentum and therefore provide the complete cosmological setup to study non-Riemannian effects in Cosmology. With the help of this we find the forms of torsion and non-metricity that were earlier reported in the literature and also obtain the most general form of the Friedmann equations with torsion and non-metricity. We also discuss some applications of our model, make contact with the known results in the literature and point to future directions.

Geodesic Mappings of Spaces with Affine Connections onto Generalized Symmetric and Ricci-Symmetric Spaces

In the paper, we consider geodesic mappings of spaces with an affine connections onto generalized symmetric and Ricci-symmetric spaces. In particular, we studied in detail geodesic mappings of spaces with an affine connections onto 2-, 3-, and m- (Ricci-) symmetric spaces. These spaces play an important role in the General Theory of Relativity. The main results we obtained were generalized to a case of geodesic mappings of spaces with an affine connection onto (Ricci-) symmetric spaces. The main equations of the mappings were obtained as closed mixed systems of PDEs of the Cauchy type in covariant form. For the systems, we have found the maximum number of essential parameters which the solutions depend on. Any m- (Ricci-) symmetric spaces (m≥1) are geodesically mapped onto many spaces with an affine connection. We can call these spaces projectivelly m- (Ricci-) symmetric spaces and for them there exist above-mentioned nontrivial solutions.