A string and M-theory origin for the Salam-Sugin model

An M/string-theory origin for the six-dimensional Salam-Sezgin chiral gauged supergravity is obtained, by embedding it as a consistent Pauli-type reduction of type I or heterotic supergravity on the non-compact hyperboloid H-2,H-2 times S-1. We can also obtain embeddings of larger, non-chiral, gauged supergravities in six dimensions, whose consistent truncation yields the Salam-Sezgin theory. The lift of the Salam-Sezgin (Minkowski)(4) X S-2 ground state to ten dimensions is asymptotic at large distances to the near-horizon geometry of the NS5-brane. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.