Hermann Nicolai

Supersymmetric quantum cosmological billiards (2009)

We discuss the conditions under which classically conformally invariant models in four dimensions can arise out of non-conformal (Einstein) gravity. As an `existence proof' that this is indeed...

Kleinschmidt, Axel, Koehn, Michael, Nicolai, Hermann

D=11 Supergravity near a space-like singularity admits a cosmological billiard description based on the hyperbolic Kac-Moody group E10. The quantization of this system via the supersymmetry...

Supersymmetry, Kähler Geometry and Beyond 1 (2009)

The Erwin, Schrödinger International Boltzmanngasse, Hermann Nicolai, Hermann Nicolai

D-14476 Golm, Germany Abstract: This lecture briefly describes E. Kähler’s impact on the development of supersymmetric field theories, which play a central role in modern attempts to unify the...

Multi-black holes from nilpotent Lie algebra orbits (2009)

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann

For N \ge 2 supergravities, BPS black hole solutions preserving four supersymmetries can be superposed linearly, leading to well defined solutions containing an arbitrary number of such BPS black...

Universal BPS structure of stationary supergravity solutions (2009)

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann, Stelle, K. S.

We study asymptotically flat stationary solutions of four-dimensional supergravity theories via the associated G/H* pseudo-Riemannian non-linear sigma models in three spatial dimensions. The Noether...

E10 and gauged maximal supergravity (2009)

Bergshoeff, Eric A., Hohm, Olaf, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann, Nutma, Teake A., Palmkvist, Jakob

We compare the dynamics of maximal three-dimensional gauged supergravity in appropriate truncations with the equations of motion that follow from a one-dimensional E10/K(E10) coset model at the first...

E10 and Gauged Maximal Supergravity (2009)

Bergshoeff, Eric A., Hohm, Olaf, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann, Nutma, Teake A., Palmkvist, Jakob

We compare the dynamics of maximal three-dimensional gauged supergravity in appropriate truncations with the equations of motion that follow from a one-dimensional E10/K(E10) coset model at the first...

Julius Erich Wess (2009)

Bagger, Jonathan, Nicolai, Hermann

Biographical-Item

Supersymmetric quantum cosmological billiards (2009)

Kleinschmidt, Axel, Koehn, Michael, Nicolai, Hermann

D=11 Supergravity near a space-like singularity admits a cosmological billiard description based on the hyperbolic Kac-Moody group E10. The quantization of this system via the supersymmetry...

Conformal invariance from non-conformal gravity (2009)

Vanquishing Infinity (2009)

We discuss the conditions under which classically conformally invariant models in four dimensions can arise out of non-conformal (Einstein) gravity. As an `existence proof' that this is indeed...

E10 and Gauged Maximal Supergravity (2008)

Quantum field theoretic extensions of Einstein’s theory of gravity tend to suffer from incurable infinities, but a theory called N=8 supergravity may actually avoid them—against expectations held...

Bergshoeff, Eric A., Hohm, Olaf, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann, Nutma, Teake A., Palmkvist, Jakob

We compare the dynamics of maximal three-dimensional gauged supergravity in appropriate truncations with the equations of motion that follow from a one-dimensional E10/K(E10) coset model at the first...

Gravitational multi-NUT solitons, Komar masses and charges (2008)

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann, Stelle, K. S.

Generalising expressions given by Komar, we give precise definitions of gravitational mass and solitonic NUT charge and we apply these to the description of a class of Minkowski-signature...

Gravitational multi-NUT solitons, Komar masses and charges (2008)

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann, Stelle, K. S.

Generalising expressions given by Komar, we give precise definitions of gravitational mass and solitonic NUT charge and we apply these to the description of a class of Minkowski-signature...

Gravitational multi-NUT solitons, Komar masses and charges (2008)

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann, Stelle, K S

Generalising expressions given by Komar, we give precise definitions of gravitational mass and solitonic NUT charge and we apply these to the description of a class of Minkowski-signature...

Gravitational multi-NUT solitons, Komar masses and charges (2008)

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann, Stelle, K. S.

Generalising expressions given by Komar, we give precise definitions of gravitational mass and solitonic NUT charge and we apply these to the description of a class of Minkowski-signature...

Gravitational multi-NUT solitons, Komar masses and charges (2008)

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann, Stelle, K. S.

Generalising expressions given by Komar, we give precise definitions of gravitational mass and solitonic NUT charge and we apply these to the description of a class of Minkowski-signature...

Renormalization Group and Effective Potential in Classically Conformal Theories (2008)

Hyperbolic Weyl groups and the four normed division algebras (2008)

We derive a general formula for the RG improved effective (Coleman-Weinberg) potential for classically conformal models, applying it to several examples of physical interest, and in particular a...

Feingold, Alex J., Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We study the Weyl groups of hyperbolic Kac-Moody algebras of `over-extended' type and ranks 3, 4, 6 and 10, which are intimately linked with the four normed division algebras K=R,C,H,O, respectively....

Neutrinos, Axions and Conformal Symmetry (2008)

Gauged Supergravities, Tensor Hierarchies, and M-Theory (2008)

We demonstrate that radiative breaking of conformal symmetry (and simultaneously electroweak symmetry) in the Standard Model with right-chiral neutrinos and a minimally enlarged scalar sector induces...

De Wit, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

Deformations of maximal supergravity theories induced by gauging non-abelian subgroups of the duality group reveal the presence of charged M-theory degrees of freedom that are not necessarily...

Symmetries, singularities and the de-emergence of space (2008)

Effective Action, Conformal Anomaly and the Issue of Quadratic Divergences (2008)

Recent work has revealed intriguing connections between a Belinsky–Khalatnikov–Lifshitz-type analysis of spacelike singularities in general relativity and certain infinite-dimensional Lie...

Gauged Supergravities, Tensor Hierarchies, and M-Theory (2008)

For massless $\phi^4$ theory, we explicitly compute the lowest order non-local contributions to the one-loop effective action required for the determination of the trace anomaly. Imposing exact...

De Wit, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

Deformations of maximal supergravity theories induced by gauging non-abelian subgroups of the duality group reveal the presence of charged M-theory degrees of freedom that are not necessarily...

Gauged supergravities, tensor hierarchies, and M-theory (2008)

De Wit, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

Deformations of maximal supergravity theories induced by gauging non-abelian subgroups of the duality group reveal the presence of charged M-theory degrees of freedom that are not necessarily...

Gauged supergravities, tensor hierarchies, and M-theory (2008)

De Wit, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

Deformations of maximal supergravity theories induced by gauging non-abelian subgroups of the duality group reveal the presence of charged M-theory degrees of freedom that are not necessarily...

Editorial on the GRG special issue on dark energy (2008)

Ellis, George F. R., Nicolai, Hermann, Durrer, Ruth, Maartens, Roy

Neutrinos, Axions and Conformal Symmetry (2008)

Hyperbolic Weyl Groups and the Four Normed Division Algebras (2008)

We demonstrate that radiative breaking of conformal symmetry (and simultaneously electroweak symmetry) in the Standard Model with right-chiral neutrinos and a minimally enlarged scalar sector induces...

Feingold, Alex J., Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We study the Weyl groups of hyperbolic Kac-Moody algebras of `over-extended' type and ranks 3, 4, 6 and 10, which are intimately linked with the four normed division algebras K=R,C,H,O, respectively....

Neutrinos, Axions and Conformal Symmetry (2008)

Gravitational multi-NUT solitons, Komar masses and charges (2008)

We demonstrate that radiative breaking of conformal symmetry (and simultaneously electroweak symmetry) in the Standard Model with right-chiral neutrinos and a minimally enlarged scalar sector induces...

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann, Stelle, K. S.

Generalising expressions given by Komar, we give precise definitions of gravitational mass and solitonic NUT charge and we apply these to the description of a class of Minkowski-signature...

Gravitational multi-NUT solitons, Komar masses and charges (2008)

Bossard, Guillaume, Nicolai, Hermann, Stelle, K. S.

Generalising expressions given by Komar, we give precise definitions of gravitational mass and solitonic NUT charge and we apply these to the description of a class of Minkowski-signature...

Editorial (2008)

Ellis, George F. R., Nicolai, Hermann

Editorial (2008)

Ellis, George F. R., Nicolai, Hermann

Auf dem Weg zur Physik des 21. Jahrhunderts (2008)

Hidden Symmetries, Cosmological singularitites and the E10 / K(E10) Sigma Model (2008)

Effective Action, Conformal Anomaly and the Issue of Quadratic Divergences (2007)

Constraints and the E10 Coset Model (2007)

For massless $\phi^4$ theory, we explicitly compute the lowest order non-local contributions to the one-loop effective action required for the determination of the trace anomaly. Imposing exact...

Damour, Thibault, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We continue the study of the one-dimensional E10 coset model (massless spinning particle motion on E10/K(E10) whose dynamics at low levels is known to coincide with the equations of motion of maximal...

Symmetries,Singularities and the De-Emergence of Space (2007)

An E9 multiplet of BPS states (2007)

Recent work has revealed intriguing connections between a Belinsky-Khalatnikov-Lifshitz-type analysis of spacelike singularities in General Relativity and certain infinite dimensional Lie algebras,...

Englert, Francois, Houart, Laurent, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann, Tabti, Nassiba

We construct an infinite E9 multiplet of BPS states for 11D supergravity. For each positive real root of E9 we obtain a BPS solution of 11D supergravity, or of its exotic counterparts, depending on...

Loop and Spin Foam Quantum Gravity: A Brief Guide for Beginners (2007)

Nicolai, Hermann, Peeters, Kasper

We review aspects of loop quantum gravity and spin foam models at an introductory level, with special attention to questions frequently asked by non-specialists.

K(E9) from K(E10) (2007)

Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann, Palmkvist, Jakob

We analyse the M-theoretic generalisation of the tangent space structure group after reduction of the D=11 supergravity theory to two space-time dimensions in the context of hidden Kac-Moody...

Conformal Symmetry and the Standard Model (2007)

An E9 multiplet of BPS states (2007)

We re-examine the question of radiative symmetry breaking in the standard model in the presence of right-chiral neutrinos and a minimally enlarged scalar sector. We demonstrate that, with these extra...

Englert, Francois, Houart, Laurent, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann, Tabti, Nassiba

We construct an infinite E9 multiplet of BPS states for 11D supergravity. For each positive real root of E9 we obtain a BPS solution of 11D supergravity, or of its exotic counterparts, depending on...

A Beauty and a Beast (2007)

Constraints and the E10 coset model (2007)

The mapping of the largest exceptional Lie group, E8, is a milestone for enthusiasts for the aesthetics of mathematics. But this embodiment of complex symmetry could be of interest to fundamental...

Damour, Thibault, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We continue the study of the one-dimensional E10 coset model (massless spinning particle motion on E10/K(E10) whose dynamics at low levels is known to coincide with the equations of motion of maximal...

String theory: Back to basics (2007)

Editorial note: The issue of plagiarism (2007)

Long touted as a theory of everything, it seems that string theory may at last succeed as a theory of something very specific - the interactions of particles under the strong nuclear force.

Ellis, George F. R., Nicolai, Hermann

Mathematics - A beauty and a beast (2007)

Effective Action, Conformal Anomaly and the Issue of Quadratic Divergences (2007)

The mapping of the largest exceptional Lie group, E8, is a milestone for enthusiasts for the aesthetics of mathematics. But this embodiment of complex symmetry could be of interest to fundamental...

Conformal Symmetry and the Standard Model (2006)

For massless $\phi^4$ theory, we explicitly compute the lowest order non-local contributions to the one-loop effective action required for the determination of the trace anomaly. Imposing exact...

Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann, Palmkvist, Jakob

We re-examine the question of radiative symmetry breaking in the standard model in the presence of right-chiral neutrinos and a minimally enlarged scalar sector. We demonstrate that, with these extra...

K(E9) from K(E10) (2006)

We analyse the M-theoretic generalisation of the tangent space structure group after reduction of the D=11 supergravity theory to two space-time dimensions in the context of hidden Kac-Moody...

K(E10), Supergravity and Fermions (2006)

Damour, Thibault, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We study the fermionic extension of the E10/K(E10) coset model and its relation to eleven-dimensional supergravity. Finite-dimensional spinor representations of the compact subgroup K(E10) of E(10,R)...

Curvature corrections and Kac-Moody compatibility conditions (2006)

Damour, Thibault, Hanany, Amihay, Henneaux, Marc, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We study possible restrictions on the structure of curvature corrections to gravitational theories in the context of their corresponding Kac--Moody algebras, following the initial work on E10 in...

IIA and IIB spinors from K(E10) (2006)

A note on gauge fixing in supergravity/Kac-Moody correspondences (2006)

We analyze the decomposition of recently constructed unfaithful spinor representations of K(E10) under its SO(9) x SO(9), and SO(9) x SO(2) subgroups, respectively, where K(E10) is the `maximal...

Hillmann, Christian, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We explain how to achieve the traceless gauge for the spatial part of the spin connection in the framework of the recently proposed correspondence between the (appropriately truncated) bosonic...

Loop and spin foam quantum gravity: a brief guide for beginners (2006)

Nicolai, Hermann, Peeters, Kasper

We review aspects of loop quantum gravity and spin foam models at an introductory level, with special attention to questions frequently asked by non-specialists.

E10 Cosmology (2006)

Hidden symmetries and the fermionic sector of eleven-dimensional supergravity (2006)

We construct simple exact solutions to the E10/K(E10) coset model by exploiting its integrability. Using the known correspondences with the bosonic sectors of maximal supergravity theories, these...

Damour,T., Kleinschmidt,Axel, Nicolai,Hermann

An effective field theory description for Kaluza Klein supergravity on AdS3 x S3 (2006)

E10 Cosmology (2006)

Hidden symmetries and the fermionic sector of eleven-dimensional supergravity (2006)

We construct simple exact solutions to the E10/K(E10) coset model by exploiting its integrability. Using the known correspondences with the bosonic sectors of maximal supergravity theories, these...

Damour, Thibault, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

A note on gauge fixing in Supergravity/Kac-Moody correspondences (2006)

Hillmann, Christian, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We explain how to achieve the traceless gauge for the spatial part of the spin connection in the framework of the recently proposed correspondence between the (appropriately truncated) bosonic...

IIA and IIB spinors from K(E10) (2006)

Curvature corrections and Kac-Moody compatibility conditions (2006)

We analyze the decomposition of recently constructed unfaithful spinor representations of K(E10) under its SO(9) x SO(9), and SO(9) x SO(2) subgroups, respectively, where K(E10) is the `maximal...

Damour, Thibault, Hanany, Amihay, Henneaux, Marc, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We study possible restrictions on the structure of curvature corrections to gravitational theories in the context of their corresponding Kac--Moody algebras, following the initial work on E10 in...

K(E10), Supergravity and Fermions (2006)

Damour, Thibault, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We study the fermionic extension of the E10/K(E10) coset model and its relation to eleven-dimensional supergravity. Finite-dimensional spinor representations of the compact subgroup K(E10) of E(10,R)...

Maximal supergravities and the E10 Coset model (2006)

Integrable Classical and Quantum Gravity (2006)

The maximal rank hyperbolic Kac–Moody algebra 픢10 has been conjectured to play a prominent role in the unification of duality symmetries in string and M-theory. We review some recent developments...

Nicolai, Hermann, Korotkin, D. A., Samtleben, Henning

In these lectures we report recent work on the exact quantization of dimensionally reduced gravity, i.e. 2d non-linear (G/H)-coset space sigma-models coupled to gravity and a dilaton. Using methods...

Editorial: The GRG Journal (2006)

Maximal supergravities and the E10 model (2006)

Hidden symmetries and the fermionic sector of eleven-dimensional supergravity (2005)

The maximal rank hyperbolic Kac-Moody algebra e10 has been conjectured to play a prominent role in the unification of duality symmetries in string and M theory. We review some recent developments...

Damour, Thibault, Kleinschmidt, Axel, Nicolai, Hermann

We study the hidden symmetries of the fermionic sector of D=11 supergravity, and the role of K(E10) as a generalised `R-symmetry'. We find a consistent model of a massless spinning particle on an...

E10 Cosmology (2005)

Gradient Representations and Affine Structures in AE(n) (2005)

We construct simple exact solutions to the E10/K(E10) coset model by exploiting its integrability. Using the known correspondences with the bosonic sectors of maximal supergravity theories, these...

Hyperbolic Kac-Moody Algebras and Chaos in Kaluza-Klein Models (2005)

We study the indefinite Kac-Moody algebras AE(n), arising in the reduction of Einstein's theory from (n+1) space-time dimensions to one (time) dimension, and their distinguished maximal regular...

Damour, Thibault, Henneaux, Marc, Julia, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann

Some time ago, it was found that the never-ending oscillatory chaotic behaviour discovered by Belinsky, Khalatnikov and Lifshitz (BKL) for the generic solution of the vacuum Einstein equations in the...

Hanswurstius Redivivus, das ist die wiedererstandene Porzenelle (2005)

Loop quantum gravity: an outside view (2005)

Nicolai, Hermann, Peeters, Kasper, Zamaklar, Marija

We review aspects of loop quantum gravity in a pedagogical manner, with the aim of enabling a precise but critical assessment of its achievements so far. We emphasise that the off-shell (`strong')...

On KE(9) (2005)

IIB supergravity and E10 (2005)

We study the maximal compact subgroup K(E_9) of the affine Lie group E_9(9) and its on-shell realization as an R symmetry of maximal N=16 supergravity in two dimensions. We first give a rigorous...

Loop quantum gravity: an outside view (2005)

We analyse the geodesic E10/K(E10) sigma-model in a level decomposition w.r.t. the A8xA1 subalgebra of E10, adapted to the bosonic sector of type IIB supergravity, whose SL(2,R) symmetry is...

Nicolai,Hermann, Peeters,Kasper, Zamaklar,Marija

We present a pedagogical review of loop quantum gravity, with the aim of enabling a precise but critical assessment of its achievements so far. Special attention is paid to the appearance of a large...

Higher Order M Theory Corrections and the Kac Moody Algebra E10 (2005)

Damour,T., Nicolai,Hermann

It has been conjectured that the classical dynamics of M-theory is equivalent to a null geodesic motion in the infinite-dimensional coset space E10/K(E10), where K(E10) is the maximal compact...

Gradient representations and affine structures in AEn (2005)

We study the indefinite Kac-Moody algebras AE(n), arising in the reduction of Einstein's theory from (n+1) space-time dimensions to one (time) dimension, and their distinguished maximal regular...

On KE(9) (2005)

IIB supergravity and E10 (2005)

We study the maximal compact subgroup K(E_9) of the affine Lie group E_9(9) and its on-shell realization as an R symmetry of maximal N=16 supergravity in two dimensions. We first give a rigorous...

Loop quantum gravity: an outside view (2005)

We analyse the geodesic E10/K(E10) sigma-model in a level decomposition w.r.t. the A8xA1 subalgebra of E10, adapted to the bosonic sector of type IIB supergravity, whose SL(2,R) symmetry is...

Nicolai, Hermann, Peeters, Kasper, Zamaklar, Marija

We review aspects of loop quantum gravity in a pedagogical manner, with the aim of enabling a precise but critical assessment of its achievements so far. We emphasize that the off-shell ('strong')...

Gravitational Billiards, Dualities and Hidden Symmetries (2005)

Higher Order M Theory Corrections and the Kac Moody Algebra E10 (2005)

Gradient representations and affine structures in AEn (2005)

It has been conjectured that the classical dynamics of M-theory is equivalent to a null geodesic motion in the infinite-dimensional coset space E10/K(E10), where K(E10) is the maximal compact...

Billiard Dynamics of Einstein-Matter Systems Near a Spacelike Singularity (2005)

We study the indefinite Kac-Moody algebras AE(n), arising in the reduction of Einstein's theory from (n+1) space-time dimensions to one (time) dimension, and their distinguished maximal regular...

IIB supergravity and E10 (2004)

It is shown in detail that the dynamics in the vicinity of a spacelike singularity of the D-dimentional Einstein-dilaton-p-form system can be described, at each spatial point, as a billiard motion in...

E10 and SO(9,9) invariant supergravity (2004)

We analyse the geodesic E10/K(E10) sigma-model in a level decomposition w.r.t. the A8xA1 subalgebra of E10, adapted to the bosonic sector of type IIB supergravity, whose SL(2,R) symmetry is...

Non-semisimple and complex gaugings of N=16 supergravity (2004)

We show that (massive) D=10 type IIA supergravity possesses a hidden rigid SO(9,9) symmetry and a hidden local SO(9) x SO(9) symmetry upon dimensional reduction to one (time-like) dimension. We...

Fischbacher,Thomas, Nicolai,Hermann, Samtleben,Henning

Maximal and non-maximal supergravities in three dimensions allow for a large variety of semisimple (Chern-Simons) gauge groups. In this paper, we analyze non-semisimple and complex gauge groups that...

Low Level Representations for E10 and E11 (2004)

Nicolai,Hermann, Fischbacher,Thomas

We work out the decomposition of the indefinite Kac Moody algebras E10 and E11 w.r.t. their respective subalgebras A9 and A10 at low levels. Tables of the irreducible representations with their outer...

Subalgebras of Hyperbolic Kac-Moody Algebras (2004)

Feingold,Alex J., Nicolai,Hermann

The hyperbolic (and more generally, Lorentzian) Kac-Moody (KM) Lie algebras A of rank r+2 > 2 are shown to have a rich structure of indefinite KM subalgebras which can be described by specifying a...

E10 and SO(9,9) invariant supergravity (2004)

Non-semisimple and complex gaugings of N=16 supergravity (2004)

We show that (massive) D=10 type IIA supergravity possesses a hidden rigid SO(9,9) symmetry and a hidden local SO(9) x SO(9) symmetry upon dimensional reduction to one (time-like) dimension. We...

Fischbacher, Thomas, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

Maximal and non-maximal supergravities in three dimensions allow for a large variety of semisimple (Chern-Simons) gauge groups. In this paper, we analyze non-semisimple and complex gauge groups that...

Low Level Representations for E10 and E11 (2004)

Nicolai, Hermann, Fischbacher, Thomas

We work out the decomposition of the indefinite Kac Moody algebras E10 and E11 w.r.t. their respective subalgebras A9 and A10 at low levels. Tables of the irreducible representations with their outer...

Subalgebras of Hyperbolic Kac-Moody Algebras (2004)

Feingold, Alex J., Nicolai, Hermann

The hyperbolic (and more generally, Lorentzian) Kac-Moody (KM) Lie algebras A of rank r+2 > 2 are shown to have a rich structure of indefinite KM subalgebras which can be described by specifying a...

E10 and SO(9,9) invariant supergravity (2004)

Kaluza-Klein supergravity on AdS_3 x S^3 (2003)

We show that (massive) D=10 type IIA supergravity possesses a hidden rigid SO(9,9) symmetry and a hidden local SO(9) x SO(9) symmetry upon dimensional reduction to one (time-like) dimension. We...

Cosmological Billiards (2003)

We construct a Chern-Simons type gauged N=8 supergravity in three spacetime dimensions with gauge group SO(4) x T_\infty over the infinite dimensional coset space SO(8,\infty)/(SO(8) x SO(\infty)),...

Damour,Thibault, Henneaux,Marc, Nicolai,Hermann

It is shown in detail that the dynamics of the Einstein-dilaton-p-form system in the vicinity of a spacelike singularity can be asymptotically described, at a generic spatial point, as a billiard...

Chern-Simons vs. Yang-Mills gaugings in three dimensions (2003)

Subalgebras of Hyperbolic Kac-Moody Algebras (2003)

Recently, gauged supergravities in three dimensions with Yang-Mills and Chern-Simons type interactions have been constructed. In this article, we demonstrate that any gauging of Yang-Mills type with...

Feingold, Alex J., Nicolai, Hermann

The hyperbolic (and more generally, Lorentzian) Kac-Moody (KM) Lie algebras $\cA$ of rank $r+2 > 2$ are shown to have a rich structure of indefinite KM subalgebras which can be described by...

Low Level Representations for E10 and E11 (2003)

Nicolai, Hermann, Fischbacher, Thomas

We work out the decomposition of the indefinite Kac Moody algebras ${E_{10}}$ and ${E_{11}}$ w.r.t. their respective subalgebras $A_9$ and $A_{10}$ at low levels. Tables of the irreducible...

Low level representations for E(10) and E(11) (2003)

Nicolai, Hermann, Fischbacher, Thomas

We work out the decomposition of the indefinite Kac Moody algebras E10 and E11 w.r.t. their respective subalgebras A9 and A10 at low levels. Tables of the irreducible representations with their outer...

The light cone open supermembrane (2003)

Dasgupta,Arundhati, Nicolai,Hermann, Plefka,Jan

We review aspects of the light-cone quantisation of the 11-dimensional supermembrane world volume theory. We explicitly construct vertex operators for the massless states of the eleven dimensional...

Kaluza-Klein supergravity on AdS3 x S3 (2003)

Chern-Simons vs. Yang-Mills gaugings in three dimensions (2003)

We construct a Chern-Simons type gauged N=8 supergravity in three spacetime dimensions with gauge group SO(4) x T_\infty over the infinite dimensional coset space SO(8,\infty)/(SO(8) x SO(\infty)),...

The light cone open supermembrane (2003)

Cosmological Billiards (2003)

We review aspects of the light-cone quantisation of the 11-dimensional supermembrane world volume theory. We explicitly construct vertex operators for the massless states of the eleven dimensional...

Supersymmetry, Kähler geometry and beyond (2003)

It is shown in detail that the dynamics of the Einstein-dilaton-p-form system in the vicinity of a spacelike singularity can be asymptotically described, at a generic spatial point, as a billiard...

Kaluza-Klein supergravity on AdS3 x S3 (2003)

This lecture briefly describes E.Kähler's impact on the development of supersymmetric field theories, which play a central role in modern attempts to unify the fundamental laws of physics.

Chern-Simons vs. Yang-Mills gaugings in three dimensions (2003)

We construct a Chern-Simons type gauged N=8 supergravity in three spacetime dimensions with gauge group SO(4) x T_\infty over the infinite dimensional coset space SO(8,\infty)/(SO(8) x SO(\infty)),...

An introduction to the quantum supermembrane (2003)

An Introduction to the Quantum Supermembrane (2003)

Lecture Series/Course

An Introduction to the Quantum Supermembrane (2002)

We review aspects of quantisation of the 11-dimensional supermembrane world volume theory. We explicitly construct vertex operators for the massless states and study interactions of supermembranes....

Vacua of Maximal Gauged D=3 Supergravities (2002)

We review aspects of quantisation of the 11-dimensional supermembrane world volume theory. We explicitly construct vertex operators for the massless states and study interactions of supermembranes....

Fischbacher,Thomas, Nicolai,Hermann, Samtleben,Henning

We analyse the scalar potentials of maximal gauged three-dimensional supergravities which reveal a surprisingly rich structure. In contrast to maximal supergravities in dimensions D 4, all these...

E10 and a small tension expansion of M Theory (2002)

Damour,Thibault, Henneaux,Marc, Nicolai,Hermann

A formal "small tension" expansion of D = 11 supergravity near a spacelike singularity is shown to be equivalent, at least up to 30th order in height, to a null geodesic motion in the...

Billiard dynamics of Einstein-matter systems near a spacelike singularity (2002)

Damour,Thibault, Henneaux,Marc, Nicolai,Hermann

It is shown in detail that the dynamics in the vicinity of a spacelike singularity of the D-dimentional Einstein-dilaton-p-form system can be described, at each spatial point, as a billiard motion in...

The Minimal Unitary Representation of E_8(8) (2002)

Günaydin,M., Koepsell,Kilian, Nicolai,Hermann

We give a new construction of the minimal unitary representation of the exceptional group E_8(8) on a Hilbert space of complex functions in 29 variables. Due to their manifest covariance with respect...

Vacua of Maximal Gauged D=3 Supergravities (2002)

Fischbacher, Thomas, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

We analyse the scalar potentials of maximal gauged three-dimensional supergravities which reveal a surprisingly rich structure. In contrast to maximal supergravities in dimensions D 4, all these...

E10 and a small tension expansion of M Theory (2002)

Billiard dynamics of Einstein-matter systems near a spacelike singularity (2002)

A formal "small tension" expansion of D = 11 supergravity near a spacelike singularity is shown to be equivalent, at least up to 30th order in height, to a null geodesic motion in the...

The Minimal Unitary Representation of E_8(8) (2002)

It is shown in detail that the dynamics in the vicinity of a spacelike singularity of the D-dimentional Einstein-dilaton-p-form system can be described, at each spatial point, as a billiard motion in...

Günaydin, Murat, Koepsell, Kilian, Nicolai, Hermann

We give a new construction of the minimal unitary representation of the exceptional group E_8(8) on a Hilbert space of complex functions in 29 variables. Due to their manifest covariance with respect...

E10 and a Small Tension Expansion of M Theory (2002)

Hyperbolic Kac-Moody Algebras and Chaos in Kaluza-Klein Models (2001)

A formal “small tension” expansion of D=11 supergravity near a spacelike singularity is shown to be equivalent, at least up to 30th order in height, to a null geodesic motion in the...

Damour, Thibault, Henneaux, Marc, Julia, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann

Some time ago, it was found that the never-ending oscillatory chaotic behaviour discovered by Belinsky, Khalatnikov and Lifshitz (BKL) for the generic solution of the vacuum Einstein equations in the...

Maximal gauged supergravity in three dimensions (2001)

Hyperbolic Kac-Moody Algebras and Chaos in Kaluza-Klein Models (2001)

We construct maximally supersymmetric gauged N = 16 supergravity in three dimensions, thereby obtaining an entirely new class of anti-de Sitter supergravities. These models apparently cannot be...

Damour, Thibault, Henneaux, Marc, Julia, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann

Some time ago, it was found that the never-ending oscillatory chaotic behaviour discovered by Belinsky, Khalatnikov and Lifshitz (BKL) for the generic solution of the vacuum Einstein equations in the...

Formation of the universe : From classical to quantum cosmology (2001)

Nicolai,Hermann, Pössel,Markus

We give a brief overview of the role of quantum theory in cosmology, reviewing the standard model of classical cosmology, inflation and quantum cosmology. Plenary Talk given by H. Nicolai on December...

R^4 couplings, the fundamental membrane and exceptional theta correspondences (2001)

Pioline,Boris, Nicolai,Hermann, Plefka,Jan, Waldron,Andrew

This letter is an attempt to carry out a first-principle computation in M-theory using the point of view that the eleven-dimensional membrane gives the fundamental degrees of freedom of M-theory. Our...

Compact and Noncompact Gauged Maximal Supergravities in Three Dimensions (2001)

Hyperbolic Kac Moody Algebras and Chaos in Kaluza Klein Models (2001)

We present the maximally supersymmetric three-dimensional gauged supergravities. Owing to the special properties of three dimensions -- especially the on-shell duality between vector and scalar...

Damour,Thibault, Henneaux,Marc, Julia,Bernard, Nicolai,Hermann

Some time ago, it was found that the never-ending oscillatory chaotic behaviour discovered by Belinsky, Khalatnikov and Lifshitz (BKL) for the generic solution of the vacuum Einstein equations in the...

N=8 matter coupled AdS_3 supergravities (2001)

Conformal and Quasiconformal Realizations of Exceptional Lie Groups (2001)

Following the recent construction of maximal (N=16) gauged supergravity in three dimensions, we derive gauged D=3, N=8 supergravities in three dimensions as deformations of the corresponding ungauged...

Gunaydin,M., Koepsell,Kilian, Nicolai,Hermann

We present a nonlinear realization of E_8 on a space of 57 dimensions, which is quasiconformal in the sense that it leaves invariant a suitably defined ''light cone'' in 57 dimensions. This...

Hidden Symmetries, Central Charges and All That (2001)

DeWit,Bernard, Nicolai,Hermann

In this review we discuss hidden symmetries of toroidal compactifications of eleven-dimensional supergravity. We recall alternative versions of this theory which exhibit traces of the hidden...

The principal SO(1,2) subalgebra of a hyperbolic Kac Moody algebra (2001)

Nicolai,Hermann, Olive,D. I.

The analog of the principal SO(3) subalgebra of a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra can be defined for any hyperbolic Kac–Moody algebra g(A) associated with a symmetrizable Cartan matrix A, and...

Infinite-dimensional symmetries in gravity (2001)

Nicolai,Hermann, Nagar,Alessandro

Hyperbolic Kac-Moody Algebras and Chaos in Kaluza-Klein Models (2001)

Damour, Thibault, Henneaux, Marc, Julia, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann

Some time ago, it was found that the never-ending oscillatory chaotic behaviour discovered by Belinsky, Khalatnikov and Lifshitz (BKL) for the generic solution of the vacuum Einstein equations in the...

Formation of the universe : From classical to quantum cosmology (2001)

Nicolai, Hermann, Pössel, Markus

We give a brief overview of the role of quantum theory in cosmology, reviewing the standard model of classical cosmology, inflation and quantum cosmology. Plenary Talk given by H. Nicolai on December...

R^4 couplings, the fundamental membrane and exceptional theta correspondences (2001)

Pioline, Boris, Nicolai, Hermann, Plefka, Jan, Waldron, Andrew

This letter is an attempt to carry out a first-principle computation in M-theory using the point of view that the eleven-dimensional membrane gives the fundamental degrees of freedom of M-theory. Our...

Compact and Noncompact Gauged Maximal Supergravities in Three Dimensions (2001)

Hyperbolic Kac Moody Algebras and Chaos in Kaluza Klein Models (2001)

We present the maximally supersymmetric three-dimensional gauged supergravities. Owing to the special properties of three dimensions -- especially the on-shell duality between vector and scalar...

Damour, Thibault, Henneaux, Marc, Julia, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann

Some time ago, it was found that the never-ending oscillatory chaotic behaviour discovered by Belinsky, Khalatnikov and Lifshitz (BKL) for the generic solution of the vacuum Einstein equations in the...

N=8 matter coupled AdS_3 supergravities (2001)

Conformal and Quasiconformal Realizations of Exceptional Lie Groups (2001)

Following the recent construction of maximal (N=16) gauged supergravity in three dimensions, we derive gauged D=3, N=8 supergravities in three dimensions as deformations of the corresponding ungauged...

Günaydin, Murat, Koepsell, Kilian, Nicolai, Hermann

We present a nonlinear realization of E_8 on a space of 57 dimensions, which is quasiconformal in the sense that it leaves invariant a suitably defined ''light cone'' in 57 dimensions. This...

Maximal gauged supergravity in three dimensions (2001)

Hidden Symmetries, Central Charges and All That (2001)

We construct maximally supersymmetric gauged N = 16 supergravity in three dimensions, thereby obtaining an entirely new class of anti-de Sitter supergravities. These models apparently cannot be...

The principal SO(1,2) subalgebra of a hyperbolic Kac Moody algebra (2001)

In this review we discuss hidden symmetries of toroidal compactifications of eleven-dimensional supergravity. We recall alternative versions of this theory which exhibit traces of the hidden...

Nicolai, Hermann, Olive, D. I.

The analog of the principal SO(3) subalgebra of a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra can be defined for any hyperbolic Kac–Moody algebra g(A) associated with a symmetrizable Cartan matrix A, and...

Infinite-dimensional symmetries in gravity (2001)

Nicolai, Hermann, Nagar, Alessandro

Hidden Symmetries, Central Charges and All That (2000)

Vertex Operators for the Supermembrane (2000)

In this review we discuss hidden symmetries of toroidal compactifications of eleven-dimensional supergravity. We recall alternative versions of this theory which exhibit traces of the hidden...

On the supersymmetric effective action of Matrix theory (2000)

We derive the vertex operators that are expected to govern the emission of the massless d=11 supermultiplet from the supermembrane in the light cone gauge. We demonstrate that they form a...

Nicolai, Hermann, Plefka, Jan

We present a simple derivation of the supersymmetric one-loop effective action of SU(2) Matrix theory by expressing it in a compact exponential form whose invariance under supersymmetry...

On spacetime supersymmetry and string duality in nine dimensions (2000)

Abou-Zeid,Mohab, Nicolai,Hermann

N = 2 extended space-time supersymmetry in nine dimensions implies that the BPS states corresponding to momentum and winding of either of the type-II superstrings compactified on S1 transform as...

Supersymmetric effective action of Matrix theory (2000)

Nicolai,Hermann, Plefka,Jan

We present a simple derivation of the supersymmetric one-loop effective action of SU(2) Matrix theory by expressing it in a compact exponential form whose invariance under supersymmetry...

An exceptional geometry for d=11 supergravity? (2000)

Koepsell,Kilian, Nicolai,Hermann, Samtleben,Henning

We analyse the algebraic constraints of the generalized vielbein in SO(1,2)×SO(16) invariant d = 11 supergravity, and show that the bosonic degrees of freedom of d = 11 supergravity, which become...

Vertex Operators for the Supermembrane (2000)

Dasgupta,Arundhati, Nicolai,Hermann, Plefka,Jan

We derive the vertex operators that are expected to govern the emission of the massless d = 11 supermultiplet from the supermembrane in the light cone gauge. We demonstrate that they form a...

On spacetime supersymmetry and string duality in nine dimensions (2000)

Abou-Zeid, Mohab, Nicolai, Hermann

N = 2 extended space-time supersymmetry in nine dimensions implies that the BPS states corresponding to momentum and winding of either of the type-II superstrings compactified on S1 transform as...

Supersymmetric effective action of Matrix theory (2000)

Nicolai, Hermann, Plefka, Jan

We present a simple derivation of the supersymmetric one-loop effective action of SU(2) Matrix theory by expressing it in a compact exponential form whose invariance under supersymmetry...

An exceptional geometry for d=11 supergravity? (2000)

Koepsell, Kilian, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

We analyse the algebraic constraints of the generalized vielbein in SO(1,2)×SO(16) invariant d = 11 supergravity, and show that the bosonic degrees of freedom of d = 11 supergravity, which become...

Vertex Operators for the Supermembrane (2000)

Space-Time Supersymmetry, IIA/B Duality and M-Theory (1999)

We derive the vertex operators that are expected to govern the emission of the massless d = 11 supermultiplet from the supermembrane in the light cone gauge. We demonstrate that they form a...

Abou-Zeid, Mohab, De Wit, Bernard, Lust, Dieter, Nicolai, Hermann

The connection between IIA superstring theory compactified on a circle of radius R and IIB theory compactified on a circle of radius 1/R is reexamined from the perspective of N=2, D=9 space-time...

On the Yangian [Y(e8)] quantum symmetry of maximal supergravity in two dimensions (1999)

Koepsell, Kilian, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

We present the algebraic framework for the quantization of the classical bosonic charge algebra of maximally extended (N = 16) supergravity in two dimensions, thereby taking the first steps towards...

On hidden symmetries in D="11" supergravity and beyond (1999)

Space-time supersymmetry, IIA/B duality and M-theory (1999)

14 Pages

Abou-Zeid, Mohab, De Wit, Bernard, Lüst, Dieter, Nicolai, Hermann

The connection between IIA superstring theory compactified on a circle of radius R and IIB theory compactified on a circle of radius 1/R is reexamined from the perspective of N=2, D=9 space-time...

On M-theory (1999)

Supermembranes and M(atrix) Theory (1998)

This contribution gives a personal view on recent attempts to find a unified framework for non-perturbative string theories, with special emphasis on the hidden symmetries of supergravity and their...

Nicolai, Hermann, Helling, Robert

In these lectures, we review the D=11 supermembrane and supersymmetric matrix models at an introductory level. We also discuss some more recent developments in connection with non-perturbative string...

Monte Carlo Approach to M-Theory (1998)

Krauth, Werner, Nicolai, Hermann, Staudacher, Matthias

We discuss supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory dimensionally reduced to zero dimensions and evaluate the SU(2) and SU(3) partition functions by Monte Carlo methods. The exactly known SU(2) results are...

On M-Theory (1998)

Missing Modules, the Gnome Lie Algebra, and E10. (1998)

This contribution gives a personal view on recent attempts to find a unified framework for non-perturbative string theories, with special emphasis on the hidden symmetries of supergravity and their...

Bärwald, Oliver, Gebert, Reinhold W., Günaydin, Murat, Nicolai, Hermann

We study the embedding of Kac–Moody algebras into Borcherds (or generalized Kac–Moody) algebras which can be explicitly realized as Lie algebras of physical states of some completely compactified...

On the imaginary simple roots of the Borcherds algebra g II 9,1 (1998)

Bärwald, Oliver, Gebert, Reinhold W., Nicolai, Hermann

In a recent paper [O. Bärwald, R.W. Gebert, M. Günaydin and H. Nicolai, preprint KCL-MTH-97-22, IASSNS-HEP-97/20, PSU-TH-178, AEI-029, hep-th/9703084, to appear in Commun. Math. Phys.] it was...

Monte Carlo approach to M-theory (1998)

Krauth, Werner, Nicolai, Hermann, Staudacher, Matthias

We discuss supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory dimensionally reduced to zero dimensions and evaluate the SU(2) and SU(3) partition functions by Monte Carlo methods. The exactly known SU(2) results are...

New canonical variables for d="11" supergravity (1998)

Melosch, Stephan, Nicolai, Hermann

A set of new canonical variables for Image supergravity is proposed which renders the supersymmetry variations and the supersymmetry constraint polynomial. The construction is based on the Image...

Integrability and canonical structure of D=2, N="16" supergravity. (1998)

On the imaginary simple roots of the Borcherds algebra small script gII9,1 (1998)

The canonical formulation of d = 2, N = 16 supergravity is presented. We work out the supersymmetry generators (including all higher order spinor terms) and the N = 16 superconformal constraint...

Bärwald, Oliver, Gebert, Reinhold W., Nicolai, Hermann

In a recent paper [O. Bärwald, R.W. Gebert, M. Günaydin and H. Nicolai, preprint KCL-MTH-97-22, IASSNS-HEP-97/20, PSU-TH-178, AEI-029, hep-th/9703084, to appear in Commun. Math. Phys.] it was...

Supermembranes and M(atrix) Theory (1998)

Nicolai, Hermann, Helling, Robert C.

In these lectures, we review the D=11 supermembrane and supersymmetric matrix models at an introductory level. We also discuss some more recent developments in connection with non-perturbative string...

New Canonical Variables for d=11 Supergravity (1997)

Melosch, Stephan, Nicolai, Hermann

A set of new canonical variables for $d=11$ supergravity is proposed which renders the supersymmetry variations and the supersymmetry constraint polynomial. The construction is based on the...

On the Imaginary Simple Roots of the Borcherds Algebra $g_{II_{9,1}}$ (1997)

Baerwald, Oliver, Gebert, Reinhold W., Nicolai, Hermann

In a recent paper (hep-th/9703084) it was conjectured that the imaginary simple roots of the Borcherds algebra $g_{II_{9,1}}$ at level 1 are its only ones. We here propose an independent test of this...

An affine string vertex operator construction at an arbitrary level (1997)

An Affine String Vertex Operator Construction at Arbitrary Level (1997)

An affine vertex operator construction at an arbitrary level is presented which is based on a completely compactified chiral bosonic string whose momentum lattice is taken to be the (Minkowskian)...

Gebert, R. W., Nicolai, Hermann

An affine vertex operator construction at arbitrary level is presented which is based on a completely compactified chiral bosonic string whose momentum lattice is taken to be the (Minkowskian) affine...

AEI-037 On the Imaginary Simple Roots of the Borcherds Algebra gII 9,1 (1997)

Oliver Bärwald, Reinhold W. Gebert, Hermann Nicolai

Abstract: In a recent paper [1] it was conjectured that the imaginary simple roots of the Borcherds algebra gII9,1 at level 1 are its only ones. We here propose an independent test of this...

Isomonodromic quantization of dimensionally reduced gravity (1996)

Conformal internal symmetry of 2d σ-models coupled to gravity and a dilaton (1996)

Julia, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann

General relativity reduced to two dimensions possesses a large group of symmetries that exchange classical solutions. The associated Lie algebra is known to contain the affine Kac-Moody algebra A1(1)...

The Sugawara generators at arbitrary level (1996)

Gebert, Reinhold W., Koepsell, Kilian, Nicolai, Hermann

We construct an explicit representation of the Sugawara generators for arbitrary level in terms of the homogeneous Heisenberg subalgebra, which generalizes the well-known expression at level 1. This...

On 2D quantum gravity coupled to a σ-model (1996)

Korotkin, D. A., Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

Multistring vertices and hyperbolic KAC-Moody algebras (1996)

Gebert, Reinhold W., Nicolai, Hermann, West, P. C.

Multistring vertices and the overlap identities which they satisfy are exploited to understand properties of hyperbolic Kac-Moody algebras, in particular E10. Since any such algebra can be embedded...

Integrable Classical and Quantum Gravity (1996)

Nicolai, Hermann, Korotkin, D. A., Samtleben, Henning

In these lectures we report recent work on the exact quantization of dimensionally reduced gravity, i.e. 2d non-linear (G/H)-coset space sigma-models coupled to gravity and a dilaton. Using methods...

Seven Dimensional Octonionic Yang-Mills Instanton and its Extension to an Heterotic String Soliton (1995)

Gunaydin, Murat, Nicolai, Hermann

We construct an octonionic instanton solution to the seven dimensional Yang-Mills theory based on the exceptional gauge group $G_2$ which is the automorphism group of the division algebra of...

An integrable model of quantum gravity (1995)

Seven-dimensional octonionic Yang-Mills instanton and its extension to an heterotic string soliton (1995)

We present a new quantization scheme for 2D gravity coupled to an SU(2) principal chiral field and a dilaton; this model represents a slightly simplified version of stationary axisymmetric quantum...

Günaydin, Murat, Nicolai, Hermann

We construct an octonionic instanton solution to the seven-dimensional Yang-Mills theory based on the exceptional gauge group G2 which is the automorphism group of the division algebra of octonions....

Separation of Variables and Hamiltonian Formulation for the Ernst Equation (1995)

Null-Killing vector dimensional reduction and Galilean geometrodynamics (1995)

It is shown that the vacuum Einstein equations for an arbitrary stationary axisymmetric space-time can be completely separated by reformulating the Ernst equation and its associated linear system in...

Julia, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann

The solutions of Einstein's equations admitting one non-null Killing vector field are best studied with the projection formalism of Geroch. When the Killing vector is lightlike, the projection onto...

OnE10 and the DDF construction (1995)

An attempt is made to understand the root spaces of Kac Moody algebras of hyperbolic type, and in particularE 10, in terms of a DDF construction appropriate to a subcritical compactified bosonic...

E10 for beginners (1995)

E10 for beginners - Contribution to Gürsey Memorial Conference Proceedings '94 (1994)

Invited talk presented by H. Nicolai at the Feza Gürsey Memorial Conference, Istanbul, June 1994.

The ernst equation on a riemann surface (1994)

We present a nontechnical introduction to the hyperbolic Kac Moody algebra E_{10} and summarize our recent attempt to understand the root spaces of Kac Moody algebras of hyperbolic type in terms of a...

A Periodic Analog of the Schwarzschild Solution (1994)

The Ernst equation is formulated on an arbitrary Riemann surface. Analytically, the problem reduces to finding solutions of the ordinary Ernst equation which are periodic along the symmetry axis. The...

New linear systems for 2d Poincaré supergravities (1994)

We construct a new exact solution of Einstein's equations in vacuo in terms of Weyl canonical coordinates. This solution may be interpreted as a black hole in a space-time which is periodic in one...

Canonical quantum supergravity in three dimensions (1994)

A new linear system is constructed for Poincaré supergravities in two dimensions. In contrast to previous results, which were based on the conformal gauge, this linear system involves the...

Matschull, Hans-Jürgen, Nicolai, Hermann

We discuss the canonical treatment and quantization of matter coupled supergravity in three dimensions, with special emphasis on N = 2 supergravity. We then analyze the quantum constraint algebra;...

On the exact operator formalism of two-dimensional Liouville Quantum Gravity in Minkowski space-time (1994)

Kazama, Yoichi, Nicolai, Hermann

A detailed re-examination is made of the exact operator formalism of two-dimensional Liouville quantum gravity in Minkowski space-time with the cosmological term fully taken into account. Making use...

On the Exact Operator Formalism of Two-Dimensional Liouville Quantum Gravity in Minkowski Spacetime (1993)

Kazama, Yoichi, Nicolai, Hermann

A detailed reexamination is made of the exact operator formalism of two-dimensional Liouville quantum gravity in Minkowski spacetime with the cosmological term fully taken into account. Making use of...

Physical states in d = 3, N = 2 supergravity (1993)

De Wit, Bernard, Matschull, Hans-Jürgen, Nicolai, Hermann

To clarify some issues raised by D'Eath's recent proposal for the physical states of N = 1 supergravity in four dimensions, we study pure (topological) N = 2 supergravity in three dimensions, which...

Locally supersymmetric D = 3 non-linear sigma models (1993)

De Wit, Bernard, Tollsten, A. K., Nicolai, Hermann

We study non-linear sigma models with N local supersymmetries in three space-time dimensions. For N = 1 and 2 the target space of these models is riemannian or Kähler, respectively. All N > 2...

Two-dimensional gravities and supergravities as integrable systems (1991)

The canonical structure of maximally extended supergravity in three dimensions (1991)

Non-compact symmetries, extended supergravities and the Wheeler-DeWitt equation (1990)

The algebra of local and rigid symmetries of N = 16 supergravity in three dimensions is discussed in detail. The conserved charges associated with the rigid E8 symmetry are constructed and shown to...

The structure of $N=16$ supergravity in two dimensions (1989)

The algebra of local and rigid symmetries of N=16 supergravity in three and two dimensions is considered. The conserved currents of the non-compact rigid E8 and E9 symmetries are explicitly given. On...

Nicolai, Hermann, Warner, N. P.

We extend the previously constructed linear system for N = 16 supergravity in two dimensions by including the unphysical gravitino degrees of freedom. This theory has a residual N = 16...

The supermembrane is unstable (1989)

De Wit, Bernard, Lüscher, M., Nicolai, Hermann

We give a rigorous proof that the quantum mechanical hamiltonians of a class of supersymmetric matrix models have a continuous spectrum starting at zero. We are thus led to conclude that...

Yet more versions of d=11 supergravity (1989)

Drabant, B., Nicolai, Hermann, Töx, M.

Extending previous results, the authors construct two further versions of d=11 supergravity. The transformation laws are given in a form where the SO(1,10) local Lorentz group is replaced by...

Conformally invariant supersymmetric field theories on Sp × S1 and super p-branes (1988)

Nicolai, Hermann, Sezgin, Ergin, Tanii, Yoshiaki

We construct supersymmetric field theories on Sp × S1 for p = 1,…,5. These spaces are the boundaries of the anti-de Sitter space in (p + 2)-dimensions. Thesetheories are invariant under the super...

On the quantum mechanics of supermembranes (1988)

De Wit, Bernard, Hoppe, Jens, Nicolai, Hermann

We study the quantum-mechanical properties of a supermembrane and examine the nature of its ground state. A supersymmetric gauge theory of area-preserving transformations provides a convenient...

Relativistic minimal surfaces (1987)

Hoppe, Jens, Nicolai, Hermann

We find classical solutions to the equations of motion of an M-dimensional surface moving in a higher-dimensional embedding space-time for arbitrary M. In the case of closed membranes, solutions...

The integrability of N=16 supergravity (1987)

d = 11 supergravity with local SO(16) invariance (1987)

For the maximally extended N=16 supergravity theory in two dimensions, we explicitly construct a linear system whose integrability conditions are equivalent to the full nonlinear field equations of...

The consistency of the S7 truncation in d=11 supergravity (1987)

The transformation rules of d = 11 supergravity are given in a form which is manifestly covariant under local SO(16). The bosonic fields can be assigned to representations of E8. This construction...

d = 11 supergravity with local SU(8) invariance (1986)

We give a complete proof that d=11 supergravity compactified on S7 admits a consistent truncation to its zero-mass sector. The resulting theory is shown to coincide with gauged N=8 supergravity to...

Gauge covariant local formulation of free strings and superstrings (1986)

The transformation rules and field equations of d = 11 supergravity are given in a form which is manifestly covariant under local SU(8) transformations. In this formulation the SO(1, 10) local...

Neveu, A., Nicolai, Hermann, Warner, N. P.

A complete local gauge covariant formulation of all known free string theories is given. It only involves a finite number of supplementary string fields.

Superstrings from 26 dimensions (1986)

Englert, Francois, Nicolai, Hermann, Schellekens, A.

Consistent closed superstrings are contained in the 26-dimensional bosonic closed string theory. We explain in detail how the states, operators and interaction vertices of superstrings emerge in this...

Symmetry structures of superstring field theories (1986)

Kazama, Yoichi, Neveu, A., Nicolai, Hermann, West, P.

A new extended formulation of free supersymmetric string field theories is presented. The hidden symmetries are exhibited and their quantization is given. The rigid space-time supersymmetry of the...

Space-time supersymmetry of the covariant superstring (1986)

Kazama, Yoichi, Neveu, A., Nicolai, Hermann, West, P.

We explicitly derive the ghost oscillator contribution to the gauge covariant fermion emission vertex. This vertex is used to construct the space-time supersymmetry transformation laws which are...

Hidden symmetry in d = 11 supergravity (1985)

The embedding of gauged N = 8 supergravity into d = 11 supergravity (1985)

Eleven-dimensional supergravity is reformulated in a way suggested by compactifications to four dimensions. The new version has local SU(8) invariance. The bosonic quantities that pertain to the...

Multiplet structure and spectra of N=2 supersymmetric compactifications (1985)

We investigate several aspects of the embedding of gauged N = 8 supergravity into d = 11 supergravity and give the full nonlinear metric ansatz for this embedding. This allows us to rederive the...

Ceresole, A., Fre, P., Nicolai, Hermann

The authors use properties of the Osp (2,4) algebra to determine the spectra of N=2 supersymmetric compactifications. The correspondence with the results obtained by harmonic expansions is...

The SU(3)×U(1) invariant breaking of gauged N = 8 supergravity (1985)

Nicolai, Hermann, Warner, N. P.

The SU(3)×U(1) invariant stationary point of N = 8 supergravity is described in some detail. This vacuum has N = 2 supersymmetry, and it is shown how the fields of N = 8 supergravity may be...

Singleton representations of Osp(N,4) (1984)

Nicolai, Hermann, Sezgin, Ergin

We demonstrate the existence of singleton supermultiplets in Osp(N,4) for all N. These represent extreme cases of multiplet shortening because they contain only particles of spin s = 0 and Image. We...

Multiplet shortening in Osp(N,4) (1984)

Nicolai, Hermann, Freedman, Daniel Z.

We describe a new type of multiplet shortening in Osp(N,4) which resolves a long-standing puzzle in Kaluza-Klein supergravities. Multiplet shortening implies quantization of mass eigenvalues in units...

On the relation between d = 4 and d = 11 supergravity (1984)

The parallelizing S7 torsion in gauged N=8 supergravity (1984)

We investigate the supersymmetry transformation laws in an arbitrary compactification of d = 11 supergravity to four dimensions. The d = 4 fields of gauged N = 8 supergravity are identified in a...

The mass spectrum of supergravity on the round seven-sphere (1984)

Using the parallelizing S7 torsion as an ansatz we investigate two solutions of gauged N=8 supergravity with SO(7) invariance. Supersymmetry is uniformly broken. We calculate the masses for these...

Casher, A., Englert, Francois, Nicolai, Hermann, Rooman, M.

We derive the mass spectrum of supergravity compactified on the round seven-sphere. The final result may be arrived at either by employing harmonic expansions on S7 or by using properties of Osp(8,4).

A new SO(7) invariant solution of d = 11 supergravity (1984)

Gauged N = 8 supergravity and its breaking from spontaneous compactification (1983)

We find a new SO(7) invariant solution of d = 11 supergravity by exploiting the relationship of this theory with gauged N = 8 supergravity in d = 4 dimensions.

Biran, B., Englert, Francois, De Wit, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann

Gauged N = 8 supergravity emerges from spontaneous compactification of eleven-dimensional supergravity on the riemannian S7. This is the only non-trivial compactification scheme preserving full...

Geometry of coset spaces and massless modes of the squashed seven-sphere in supergravity (1983)

Bais, F. A., Nicolai, Hermann, Van Nieuwenhuizen, P.

We derive some general results for Killing vectors on arbitrary coset manifolds and explicitly exhibit the squashed seven-sphere as the coset space Sp4×Sp2/Sp2×Sp2. Using these results, we then...

Properties of N=8 supergravity (1983)

N = 8 supergravity (1982)

Nicolai, Hermann, De Wit, Bernard

The complete structure of N = 8 supergravity is presented with an optional local SO(8) invariance. The SO(8) gauge interactions break E7 invariance, but leave the local SU(8) unaffected. Exploiting...

Gauging N=8 supergravity in superspace (1982)

Howe, P., Nicolai, Hermann

On-shell N=8 supergravity with local SO(8) × SU(8) invariance is formulated in superspace. We compare the counter-term structures of the gauged and ungauged theories.

N=8 supergravity with local SO(8) × SU(8) invariance (1982)

Unification and extended supergravity (1982)

We present an extension of N=8 supergravity in which the natural symmetry group SO(8) is gauged. Local SO(8) invariance is shown to be consistent with the dynamically realized SU(8) symmetry. We...

Monte Carlo simulation of SU(2) gauge theory with fermions on a four-dimensional lattice (1982)

Lang, C. B., Nicolai, Hermann

After integration over the fermions in an SU(2) lattice gauge theory, the effective fermionic action may be expressed as a sum over all possible closed gauge field loops with corresponding weight...

Off-shell representations with central charges for ten-dimensional super Yang-Mills theory (1982)

Van Proeyen, A., Nicolai, Hermann

Using Bianchi identities and commutation relations we investigate the off-shell field content of the ten-dimensional super Yang-Mills theory when central charges are introduced. Possible constraints...

Comments on 11-dimensional supergravity (1981)

Nicolai, Hermann, Townsend, P. K., Van Nieuwenhuizen, P.

Extended supergravity with local SO(5) invariance (1981)

N=3 supersymmetry multiplets with vanishing trace anomaly: Building blocks of the N>3 supergravities (1981)

We present a version of N = 5 supergravity with local SO(5) invariance and a lowest order calculation for N = 8 supergravity with local SO(8). The implications of these results and related aspects...

Nicolai, Hermann, Townsend, P. K.

Ngreater-or-equal, slanted3 supergravity theories with vanishing one-loop trace anomaly may be constructed fron three basic N=3 multiplets, one of which contains an antisymmetric tensor gauge field....

Achieving effective positive action in supergravity (1981)

Deser, S., Nicolai, Hermann

The path integral for the gravity sector of supergravity, i.e., after integration over the spin-3/2 field, is formally shown to be governed by the linearized Einstein action in terms of redefined...

On a new characterization of scalar supersymmetric theories (1980)

Hidden constants: The θ parameter of QCD and the cosmological constant of N = 8 supergravity (1980)

It is shown that scalar and possibly other supersymmetric theories are characterized by the existence of a transformation of the Bose fields with the property that the image of the full bosonic...

Aurilia, A., Nicolai, Hermann, Townsend, P. K.

For field theories that include the abelian gauge field Aμνvarrho the field equations allow an arbitrary integration constant, which does not appear in the lagrangian but which does affect the...

Supersymmetrie without anticommuting variables (1980)

On a new characterization of supersymmetric theories II (1980)

Supersymmetry and functional integration measures (1980)

A possible constructive approach to (super-φ3)4 (II). Regularization of the model (1979)

We complete the proof of a recently proposed new characterization of scalar supersymmetric theories and extend this result to “non-scalar” models such as supersymmetric gauge theories. The new...

A possible constructive approach to (super-φ3)4 (III). On the normalization of Schwinger functions (1979)

A regularization of Euclidean (super-φ3)4 on a finite four-volume Δ with UV cutoff k is given and integrability of the interaction is proven. The regularized model is shown to satisfy physical...

An inequality for fermion-systems (1978)

The question of normalizability of (super-φ3)4 is reduced to the verification of two conjectures pertaining to the construction of the infinite volume limit in the presence of a UV cutoff k....

A possible constructive approach to (super-φ3)4 (I). Euclidean formulation of the model (1978)

It is shown that for certain classes of Euclidean fermion-boson systems on a lattice vacuum expectation values of scalar fields increase if a Yukawa-interaction is turned on. Applicability and...

Extensions of supersymmetric spin systems (1977)

A Euclideanized version of the (super-φ3)4 model (Wess-Zumino model) is given which may serve as the starting point for a constructive investigation of this model.

Supersymmetry and spin systems (1976)

A discussion of supersymmetric spin systems is presented extending the results obtained in a recent paper (see ibid., vol.9, p.1497 (1976)). A two-dimensional model is given and gauge invariance is...

Gauged supergravities in three dimensions: a panoramic overview

It is shown that supersymmetry may be applied to spin systems. A simple algebra is proposed and various examples are discussed. It is argued that certain correlation functions must vanish on account...

Nicolai,Hermann, De Wit,B., Samtleben,Henning

Maximal and non-maximal supergravities in three spacetime dimensions allow for a large variety of semisimple and non-semisimple gauge groups, as well as complex gauge groups that have no analog in...

An effective field theory description for Kaluza Klein supergravity on AdS3 x S3

Eleven dimensional supergravity and the E10/K(E10) sigma-model at low A9 levels

Damour,Thibault, Nicolai,Hermann

Recently, the concept of a nonlinear sigma-model over a coset space G/H was generalized to the case where the group G is an infinite-dimensional Kac-Moody group, and H its (formal) `maximal compact...

Loop and Spin Foam Quantum Gravity: A Brief Guide for Beginners

Nicolai,Hermann, Peeters,Kasper

We review aspects of loop quantum gravity and spin foam models at an introductory level, with special attention to questions frequently asked by non-specialists.

IIA and IIB spinors from K(E10)

Curvature corrections and Kac-Moody compatibility conditions

Damour,T., Hanany,A., Henneaux,Marc, Kleinschmidt,Axel, Nicolai,Hermann

Verallgemeinerte Kac Moody Algebren aus Sicht des Physikers

The principal subalgebra of a hyperbolic KM algebra

Colloquium (Major Seminar)

Gauged maximal supergravities in three dimensions

An introduction to the quantum supermembrane

External Seminar

Gauged supergravities in three dimensions: a panoramic overview

Lecture Series/Course

Nicolai, Hermann, De Wit, Bernard, Samtleben, Henning

Maximal and non-maximal supergravities in three spacetime dimensions allow for a large variety of semisimple and non-semisimple gauge groups, as well as complex gauge groups that have no analog in...

Eleven dimensional supergravity and the E10/K(E10) sigma-model at low A9 levels

Gauged supergravities as a probe of M theory degrees of freedom

Recently, the concept of a nonlinear sigma-model over a coset space G/H was generalized to the case where the group G is an infinite-dimensional Kac-Moody group, and H its (formal) `maximal compact...

De Wit, Bernard, Nicolai, Hermann, Samtleben, Henning

Renormalization group and effective potential in classically conformal theories