M2-branes and AdS/CFT

Abstract

These notes provide a brief introduction to the ABJM theory, the level k U(N) x U(N) superconformal Chern-Simons matter theory which has been conjectured to describe N coincident M2-branes. We discuss its dual formulation in terms of M-theory on AdS_4 x S^7/Z_k and review some of the evidence in favor of the conjecture. We end with a brief discussion of the important role played by the monopole operators.

20 pages, 2 figures, 2 tables. Based on lectures delivered by I.R.K. at the Galileo Galilei Institute summer school "New Perspectives in String Theory", v2: minor improvements; references added