Open P-Branes

Abstract

It is shown that many of the $p$-branes of type II string theory and $d=11$ supergravity can have boundaries on other $p$-branes. The rules for when this can and cannot occur are derived from charge conservation. For example it is found that membranes in $d=11$ supergravity and IIA string theory can have boundaries on fivebranes. The boundary dynamics are governed by the self-dual $d=6$ string. A collection of $N$ parallel fivebranes contains $\half N(N-1)$ self-dual strings which become tensionless as the fivebranes approach one another.