HIGGS BRANCH OF N=2 SQCD AND M-THEORY BRANES

The Higgs branch of N = 2 SQCD is studied from the M-theory viewpoint. With a differential geometrical proof of the s-rule along with an inv estigation of the global symmetry of M-theory brane configurations, an exact description of the baryonic and non-baryonic branches in terms of M-theory is presented. The baryonic branch root is also studied. Th e ''electric'' and ''magnetic'' descriptions of the root are shown to be related with each other by the brane exchange in M-theory. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.