Holonomy on \(D\)-branes (Q556211)

In all string theories, one naturally encounters a 2-form with a gauge symmetry, which is a generalization of that of the gauge field (1-form). In addition, in superstrings, there are \(p\)-forms for higher values of \(p\). The corresponding mathematical theory of \textit{gerbes} generalizing the concept of vector bundles is less known in the physics literature. The authors use results from theory of 1-gerbes and Deligne cohomology and apply thes to construct anomaly-free action for D-branes in string backgrounds with the Neveu-Schwartz 2-form field. The cases of torsion and non-torsion classes have been discussed, the latter being the main focus of the paper. Torsion classes were earlier discussed in [\textit{D.~Freed} and \textit{E.~Witten}, hep-th/9907189; \textit{A.~Kapustin}, Adv.\ Theor.\ Math.\ Phys.\ 4, No.~1, 127--154 (2000; Zbl 0992.81059)], which found the potential anomalies. The necessary background material have been reviewed.