Fermions on curved backgrounds of matrix models

Abstract

We discuss the propagation of fermions on generic, curved branes in IKKT-type matrix models. The Dirac operator can be understood either in terms of a Weitzenb\"ock connection, or in terms of the Levi-Civita connection with extra torsion term. We discuss in detail the coupling of spin to the background geometry using the JWKB approximation. Despite the absence of local Lorentz invariance in the underlying IKKT framework, our results agree with the expectations of Einstein-Cartan theory, and differ from general relativity only by an extra coupling to the totally antisymmetric part of the torsion. The case of FLRW cosmic background solutions is discussed as a special case.