Uncovering the symmetries on \([p,q]\) 7-branes: beyond the Kodaira classification (Q5938768)

summary: We begin a classification of the symmetry algebras arising on configurations of type IIB \([p,q]\) 7-branes. These include not just the Kodaira symmetries that occur when branes coalesce into a singularity, but also algebras associated to other physically interesting brane configurations that cannot be collapsed. We demonstrate how the monodromy around the 7-branes essentially determines the algebra, and thus 7-brane gauge symmetries are classified by conjugacy classes of the modular group \(\text{SL}(2,\mathbb{Z})\). Through a classic map between the modular group and binary quadratic forms, the monodromy fixes the asymptotic charge form which determines the representations of the various (p,q) dyons in probe D3-brane theories. This quadratic form also controls the change in the algebra during transitions between different brane configurations. We give a unified description of the brane configurations extending the \(D_N\), \(E_N\) and Argyres-Douglas \(H_N\) series beyond the Kodaira cases. We anticipate the appearance of affine and indefinite infinite-dimensional algebras, which we explore in a sequel paper (see the article reviewed below Zbl 0967.81074).