On Supergravity Solutions

This thesis is devoted to the study of specific solutions in extended supergravity theories. In the first introductory Chapter, we analyze the basic ideas underlying supersymmetry and supergravity models, focusing on the idea of supergravity as a powerful effective low energy approach to more fundamental underlying theories like superstring/M-theory. Subsequently, the thesis is divided into two parts: a first one (consisting in Chapter 2 and 3) in which black hole solutions to ungauged supergravity models are discussed; a second remaining part (Chapter 4 and 5) in which we analyze the construction of new vacuum solutions of the maximal theory, possibly defining new physics of superstring theory. In Chapter 2 the construction of ungauged supergravity theories is discussed more in detail, and the general features of particular black hole configurations are considered. Chapter 3 is devoted to the construction and classification of explicit black hole solutions and their extremal limits. This Chapter contains part of the original results obtained in my PhD project. In Chapter 4 we discuss the procedure of gauging a supergravity model, focusing on the maximal (N = 8) supergravity theory in four dimensions. Finally, Chapter 5 is dedicated to the systematic calculation of possible vacua of gauged supergravity models with N > 2 in Anti de Sitter background. This Chapter contains the remaining original results of my doctoral study period.