Complex structures, T-duality and worldsheet instantons in Born sigma models

Abstract

Abstract We investigate doubled (generalized) complex structures in 2D-dimensional Born geometries where T-duality symmetry is manifestly realized. We show that Kähler, hyperkähler, bi-hermitian and bi-hypercomplex structures of spacetime are implemented in Born geometries as doubled structures. We find that the Born structures and the generalized Kähler (hyperkähler) structures appear as subalgebras of bi-quaternions and split-tetra-quaternions. We find parts of these structures are classified by Clifford algebras. We then study the T-duality nature of the worldsheet instantons in Born sigma models. We show that the instantons in Kähler geometries are related to those in bi-hermitian geometries in a non-trivial way.