Calibrations, Torsion Classes and Wrapped M-Branes

Abstract

The present work has two goals. The first is to complete the classification of geometries in terms of torsion classes of M-branes wrapping cycles of a Calabi-Yau. The second goal is to give insight into the physical meaning of the torsion class constraints. We accomplish both tasks by defining new energy minimizing calibrations in M-brane backgrounds. When fluxes are turned on, it is these calibrations that are relevant, rather than those which had previously been defined in the context of purely geometric backgrounds.