Editing M-theory (section)

===ABJM superconformal field theory===

{{main article|ABJM superconformal field theory}}

Another realization of the AdS/CFT correspondence states that M-theory on {{math|''AdS''<sub>4</sub>×''S''<sup>7</sup>}} is equivalent to a quantum field theory called the [[ABJM superconformal field theory|ABJM theory]] in three dimensions. In this version of the correspondence, seven of the dimensions of M-theory are curled up, leaving four non-compact dimensions. Since the spacetime of our universe is four-dimensional, this version of the correspondence provides a somewhat more realistic description of gravity.<ref name="Aharony et al. 2008">Aharony et al. 2008</ref>

The ABJM theory appearing in this version of the correspondence is also interesting for a variety of reasons. Introduced by Aharony, Bergman, Jafferis, and Maldacena, it is closely related to another quantum field theory called [[Chern–Simons theory]]. The latter theory was popularized by Witten in the late 1980s because of its applications to knot theory.<ref>Witten 1989</ref> In addition, the ABJM theory serves as a semi-realistic simplified model for solving problems that arise in condensed matter physics.<ref name="Aharony et al. 2008"/>