Dynamic D8-branes in IIA string theory

Abstract

In this paper we perform a detailed investigation of the Dirichlet eight-brane of the Type IIA string theory, when the effects of gravity are included. In particular, consider what happens when one allows the ten-form field strength $F_{10}$ to vary discontinuously across the worldvolume of the brane. Since the ten-form is constant on each side of the brane ($d*F_{10} = 0$), a variation in the bulk term $\int F_{10}*F_{10}$ gives rise to a net pressure acting on the surface of the brane. This means that the infinite `planar' eight-brane is no longer a static configuration with these boundary conditions. Instead, a static configuration is found only when the brane `compactifies' to the topology of an eight-sphere, $S^8$. These spherical eight-branes are thus bubbles which form boundaries between different phases of the massive Type IIA supergravity theory. While these bubbles are generically unstable and will want to expand (or contract), we show that in certain cases there is a critical radius, $r_c$, at which the (inward) tension of the brane is exactly counterbalanced by the (outward) force exerted by the pressure terms. Intuitively, these `compactified' branes are just spherical bubbles where the effective cosmological constant jumps by a discrete amount as you cross a brane worldsheet. We argue that these branes will be unstable to various semi-classical decay processes. We discuss the implications of such processes for the open strings which have endpoints on the eight-brane.