N=1 dualities of SO and USp gauge theories and T-duality of string theory

Extending recent work on SU gauge theory, we engineer local string models for N = 1 four-dimensional SO and USp gauge theories coupled to matter in the fundamental. The local models are type IIB orientifolds with D7 branes on a curved orientifold 7-plane, and matter realized by adding D3 branes on the orientifold plane, The Higgs branches of the SO and USp theories can be matched with the moduli spaces of SO and USp instantons on the compact four-dimensional part of the D7 branes world-volume. The R-charge of the gauge theories is identified with a U(1) symmetry on the world-volume of an Euclidean D3 brane instanton. We argue that the quantum field theory dualities of these gauge theories arise from T-dualities of type IIB strings exchanging D7 and D3 charges. A crucial role is played by the induced D3 charge of D7 branes and an orientifold 7-plane, both partially compactified on a Z(2) orbifold of K3. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.