Higher Structures in M-Theory

Abstract

The key open problem of string theory remains its non-perturbative completion to M-theory. A decisive hint to its inner workings comes from numerous appearances of higher structures in the limits of M-theory that are already understood, such as higher degree flux fields and their dualities, or the higher algebraic structures governing closed string field theory. These are all controlled by the higher homotopy theory of derived categories, generalised cohomology theories, and $L_{\infty }$-algebras. This is the introductory chapter to the proceedings of the LMS/EPSRC Durham Symposium on Higher Structures in M-Theory. We first review higher structures as well as their motivation in string theory and beyond. Then we list the contributions in this volume, putting them into context.

22 pages, Introductory Article to Proceedings of LMS/EPSRC Durham Symposium Higher Structures in M-Theory, August 2018, references updated

References in corpus (7)

• N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons-matter theories, M2-branes and their gravity duals
• Gauge Symmetry and Supersymmetry of Multiple M2-Branes
• Algebraic structures on parallel M2-branes
• Generalised Geometry for M-Theory
• What if string theory has no de Sitter vacua?
• Quantum Gauge Field Theory in Cohesive Homotopy Type Theory
• Ninebrane structures

Cited by in corpus (7)

• The Rational Higher Structure of M-theory
• 2-group global symmetries, hydrodynamics and holography
• Twisted Cohomotopy implies M5-brane anomaly cancellation
• Super-exceptional geometry: origin of heterotic M-theory and super-exceptional embedding construction of M5
• Quantum field theoretic representation of Wilson surfaces: I higher coadjoint orbit theory
• Topological sectors for heterotic M5-brane charges under Hypothesis H
• Quantum field theoretic representation of Wilson surfaces: II higher topological coadjoint orbit model