The Polarised IKKT Matrix Model

Abstract: We establish a correspondence between a supersymmetric mass deformation of the IKKT matrix integral at large $N$ and a background of Euclidean type IIB string theory. Both sides have sixteen supersymmetries and an $SO(3)\times SO(7)$ symmetry. In the limit of large mass the integral is dominated by a fuzzy sphere saddle point. This saddle corresponds to a Euclidean $D1$-brane in a finite, Euclidean, ellipsoidal cavity. The cavity is supported by three-form NSNS flux that polarises $N$ $D$-instantons into the $D1$-brane. We furthermore use supersymmetric localisation to show that the deformed matrix integral can be reduced to a moduli space integral, allowing exact results away from the large mass limit. At small mass the $D1$-branes can backreact on the geometry, and we discuss the possible formulation of a `timeless' holography in such regimes.