Duality in the Type--II Superstring Effective Action

Abstract

We derive the T-duality transformations that transform a general d=10 solution of the type-IIA string with one isometry to a solution of the type-IIB string with one isometry and vice versa. In contrast to other superstring theories, the T-duality transformations are not related to a non-compact symmetry of a d=9 supergravity theory. We also discuss S-duality in d=9 and d=10 and the relationship with eleven-dimensional supergravity theory. We apply these dualities to generate new solutions of the type IIA and type IIB superstrings and of eleven-dimensional supergravity.

Latex file. Several missprints in equations, some important and not yet corrected in the published version, have now been corrected. No changes in main results and conclusions. 43+1 pages, LaTeX file