Open F-branes

We include in F-theory, through open Type I F-theory branes (F-branes), string theories with N = 1 supersymmetry, both Type I and heterotic. Type I branes are distinguished from Type II by worldvolume parity projection. The same open Type I branes describe both open Type I superstrings and closed heterotic upon different sectionings from F-branes to worldsheets, while closed Type I superstrings arise from closed Type I branes. (Type II superstrings come from closed Type II branes, as described previously.) F-theory manifests the exceptional-group U-duality symmetry, with all massless bosonic fields in a single gauge coset. This coset branches to the usual bosonic supergravity fields upon sectioning. We examine in detail the simple case of D = 3 F-theory: parity projection reduces the Type II coset SL(5)/SO(3,2) to the Type I coset SO(3,3)/SO(2,1)(2) = SL(4)/SO(2,2).

Automated summary

F-theory includes string theories with N = 1 supersymmetry through open Type I F-theory branes (F-branes), exhibiting U-duality symmetry, and has a detailed study of the case of D=3.