Eleven-dimensional supergravity

In supersymmetry, eleven-dimensional supergravity is the theory of supergravity in the highest number of dimensions allowed for a supersymmetric theory. It contains a graviton, a gravitino, and a 3-form gauge field, with their interactions uniquely fixed by supersymmetry. Discovered in 1978 by Eugène Cremmer, Bernard Julia, and Joël Scherk, it quickly became a popular candidate for a theory of everything during the 1980s.[1] However, interest in it soon faded due to numerous difficulties that arise when trying to construct physically realistic models. It came back to prominence in the mid-1990s when it was found to be the low energy limit of M-theory, making it crucial for understanding various aspects of string theory.

  1. ^ Cremmer, E.; Julia, B.; Scherk, J. (1978). "Supergravity Theory in Eleven-Dimensions". Phys. Lett. B. 76: 409–412. doi:10.1016/0370-2693(78)90894-8.