Higher dualities in $E_{11}$ exceptional field theory

Abstract

It was proposed that there exists an $E_{11}$-invariant formulation of eleven-dimensional supergravity in which the propagating fields of the theory are realised through an infinite tower of higher duals. We show how to derive the propagating equations of the higher dual fields within $E_{11}$ exceptional field theory at the linearised level. Starting from the pseudo-Lagrangian, we construct parent actions for all higher gradient dual fields that are associated with the three-form, the six-form, and the dual graviton. We show that the resulting Euler-Lagrange equations constrain the Stückelberg fields to be pure curls, ensuring that the higher duals propagate the same physical degrees of freedom as the original supergravity fields. The additional Stückelberg fields, which are not predicted by the tensor hierarchy algebra, are shown to play a specific role as sources for the Labastida tensors of the higher dual fields.

55 pages + appendices