BPS preons in M-theory and supergravity
arXiv:hep-th/0702099 · doi:10.1002/prop.200610339
Abstract
After introducing the notion of BPS preons as the basic constituents of M-theory, we discuss the recent negative results in the search for solutions of the D=10 and D=11 supergravity equations preserving 31/32 supersymmetries i.e., of preonic solutions. The absence of these supergravity preonic solutions may point out to a pure quantum nature of BPS preons, manifesting itself in the need of incorporating quantum (stringy/M-theoretic) corrections to the supergravity equations.
plain latex, 10 pages. Talk delivered at the Workshop of the RTN network "Constituents, fundamental forces and Symmetries of the Universe", Napoli October 9-13, 2006