Penrose limit and DLCQ of string theory

Abstract

We argue that the Penrose limit of a general string background is a generalization of the Seiberg-Sen limit describing M(atrix) theory as the DLCQ of M theory in flat space. The BMN theory of type IIB strings on the maximally supersymmetric pp-wave background is understood as the exact analogue of the BFSS M(atrix) theory, namely, a DLCQ of IIB string theory on $AdS_5 \times S^5$ in the limit of infinite longitudinal momentum. This point of view is used to explain some features of the BMN duality.

31 pages, harvmac, no figures. v2: minor changes, references added. v3: small changes, to appear in PRD