1997/08/29 by Sergio Ferrara, Ferrara, Sergio
Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th) #hep-th
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.hep-th/9708164
12 pages, LaTeX; Plenary Talk given at the XII International Congress of Mathematical Physics, 13-19 July 1997, Brisbane, Australia
arxiv created 1997/08/29 · arxiv updated 2009/11/30
We will report on recent advances in the understanding of non-perturbative interconnections between different string dualities. Weak-strong coupling duality (S-duality) and T-duality (symmetry under compactification on dual tori) allows one to compare and explore the strong coupling regime of seemingly unrelated theories. These theories naturally merge in a quantum version of supergravity called M-theory. The dynamical role of `branes' of different nature and the new dynamical tool of (M)atrix formulation of M-theory will be briefly mentioned.