Non-BPS brane dynamics and duality

Abstract

The Green-Schwarz action for a non-BPS $p=2$ brane embedded in a $N=1$, $D=4$ target superspace is shown to be equivalent to the Nambu-Goto-Akulov-Volkov action obtained via the nonlinear realization of the associated target space super-Poincar\'e symmetries. Introducing a U(1) gauge field strength as a Lagrange multiplier, this $p=2$ brane action is recast into its equivalent dual form non-BPS D2-brane Born-Infeld action. Following the procedure given by Sen, the Green-Schwarz action for a non-BPS D2-brane is determined directly. From it, conversely, the dual form non-BPS $p=2$ brane action is derived. The $p=2$ brane and the D2-brane actions obtained by these two approaches are different in form. Through explicitly determined field redefinitions, these actions are shown to be equivalent.