Exact absorption probabilities for the \(D3\)-brane (Q1302017)

The authors explore a question that arises in string theory with the dual descriptions of Ramond-Ramond solitons in terms of supergravity or in tems of Dirichlet branes (D-branes). They consider a minimal scalar field impinging on a Dirichlet three-brane in ten dimensions. The linearized equation of motion is the wave equation in the three-brane metric. After appropriate change of variables and field redefinition, this wave equation is equivalent to Mathieu's modified differential equation \[ \Biggl[{\partial^2\over\partial z^2}+ 2q\text{ cosh }2z- a\Biggr]\psi(z)= 0. \] Exact expressions for reflection and absorption probabilities can be derived from the characteristic exponent of Mathieu's equation. The authors present an algorithm to obtain low energy behavior via a series expansion. They also discuss implications of their work for the world-volume theory of D-branes.