F Theory Orientifolds, M Theory Orientifolds, and Twisted Strings

Abstract

Orientifolds of the type IIB superstring that descend from F theory and M theory orbifolds are studied perturbatively. One finds strong evidence that a previously ignored twisted open string is required in these models. An attempt is made to interpret the $J$ type torsion in F theory where one finds a realization of Gimon and Johnson's models which does not require these twisted strings. S-duality also provides evidence for these strings.