Constraints on the topology of Type IIB string theory

Abstract

We discuss some topological constraints on Type IIB string theory that cannot be described by elementary characteristic classes. Anomaly cancellation of the worldvolume theory of a D3-brane requires a shifted Dirac quantization condition of the Ramond-Ramond 5-form flux. However, the required shift is sometimes inconsistent depending on the topology of spacetime backgrounds. The obstruction to the existence of a shifted quantization is described by a degree-6 cohomology class whose definition involves spin structure of spacetime manifolds. The cohomology class is interpreted as a background D3-charge, and the Gauss law constraint requires inclusion of additional D3-branes to cancel it.