Quantum spectrum of instanton solitons in five-dimensional noncommutative U(N) theories - art. no. 125015

We explore quantum states of instanton solitons in five-dimensional noncomm utative Yang-Mills theories. We start with maximally supersymmetric U(N) th eory compactified on a circle S-1, and derive the low-energy dynamics of in stanton solitons, or calorons, which is no longer singular. Quantizing the low-energy dynamics, we find N physically distinct ground states with a uni t Pontryagin number and no electric charge. These states have a natural D-s tring interpretation. The conclusion remains unchanged as we decompactify S -1, as long as we stay in the Coulomb phase by turning on adjoint Higgs exp ectation values.