Definition : The theory of superstrings states that everything in the universe-all particles and forces and perhaps space-time itself-consists of fantastically small strings under immense tension, vibrating and spinning in a ten-dimensional superspace. The ten dimensions are mathematically necessary to avoid tachyons (faster-than-light particles) and ghosts (particles produced with negative probability).

        Six of these ten dimensions are thought to be compactified, or curled up into tiny circles, and thus rendered unobservable. Different elementary particles correspond to different quantized modes of oscillation of the string. Unfortunately, superstrings theory is very difficult to calculate with and has yet to yield testable predictions.

Why the name superstrings?

        Einstein's great discovery in 1915 was his theory of gravity. 60 years later a new version was discovered, called supergravity. About the same time a new theory of particle interaction was discovered - "string theory", because particles are represented by one-dimensional curves or strings. The same mathematical trick which turned gravity into supergravity was then used to turn strings into superstrings.

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