Tao probing the end of the world

Abstract

We introduce a new type IIB 5-brane description for the E-string theory which is the world-volume theory on the M5-brane probing the end of the world M9-brane. The E-string in the new realization is depicted as spiral 5-branes web equipped with the cyclic structure which is key to uplifting to six dimensions. Utilizing the topological vertex to the 5-brane web configuration enables us to write down a combinatorial formula for the generating function of the E-string elliptic genera, namely the full partition function of topological strings on the local |$\frac {1}{2}$|K3 surface.