The ABJM model is a higher gauge theory

2013/11/30 by Sam Palmer, Christian Sämann, Christian Saemann · 3 citations
Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Abelian group #Black Holes and Theoretical Physics #Brane #Computer science #Cosmology and Gravitation Theories #Gauge (firearms) #Gauge theory #Mathematical physics #Mathematics #Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies #Physics #Principal (computer security) #Principal bundle #Pure mathematics #Theoretical physics #Vector bundle #hep-th #math-ph #math.MP

paper · pdf · doi:10.1142/s0219887814500753

published as IJGMMP 11 (2014) 1450075 · 1+10 pages, minor corrections, published version

openalex publication_date 2014/06/09 · arxiv created 2014/09/03 · arxiv updated 2014/09/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

M2-branes couple to a 3-form potential, which suggests that their description involves a non-abelian 2-gerbe or, equivalently, a principal 3-bundle. We show that current M2-brane models fit this expectation: they can be reformulated as higher gauge theories on such categorified bundles. We thus add to the still very sparse list of physically interesting higher gauge theories.

Citations

• Gauge symmetry and supersymmetry of multiple M2-branes
• 𝒩 = 6 superconformal Chern-Simons-matter theories, M2-branes and their gravity duals

Cited by

• Generalized Higher Gauge Theory and M5-brane dynamics. Proceedings:\n Higher structures in String and M-theory, Tohoku Forum for Creativity, March\n 7-11 2016
• Higher-form symmetries and 3-group in axion electrodynamics
• Towards an M5-brane model I: A 6d superconformal field theory