Type IIB orbifolds with D5-branes and their string duals

Abstract

We consider Z2, freely acting orbifolds of the type IIB string with 16 parallel D5-branes. When the string is compactified on T2 X T4 and the D5-branes are wrapped on T2, these systems possess N=2 supersymmetry, originating from the spontaneous, partial breaking of N=4. Extended supersymmetry allows us to investigate the duality with certain heterotic and type I constructions, and to obtain informations about their non-perturbative regime.