Remarks on the non-Riemannian sector in Double Field Theory

Abstract

Taking $\mathbf{O}(D,D)$ covariant field variables as its truly fundamental constituents, Double Field Theory can accommodate not only conventional supergravity but also non-Riemannian gravities that may be classified by two non-negative integers, $(n,\bar{n})$. Such non-Riemannian backgrounds render a propagating string chiral and anti-chiral over $n$ and $\bar{n}$ dimensions respectively. Examples include, but are not limited to, Newton--Cartan, Carroll, or Gomis--Ooguri. Here we analyze the variational principle with care for a generic $(n,\bar{n})$ non-Riemannian sector. We recognize a nontrivial subtlety for $n\bar{n}\ne 0$ that infinitesimal variations generically include those which change $(n,\bar{n})$. This seems to suggest that the various non-Riemannian gravities should better be identified as different solution sectors of Double Field Theory rather than viewed as independent theories. Separate verification of our results as string worldsheet beta-functions may enlarge the scope of the string landscape far beyond Riemann.

44 pages = 30 pages + Appendix + References; v2) Refs added, minor changes, final version