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The positive-definite rank-eight even unimodular lattice can be realized as vectors in ${\mathbb{Z}}^8$ or $(\mathbb{Z}+1/2{)}^8$ whose coordinate sum is even, with the ordinary Euclidean inner product. Negating this form gives $E_8(-1)$ in the K3 intersection lattice.

The cup product on the second integral cohomology of a complex K3 surface is an even unimodular lattice of signature $(3,19)$. Here $U$ is the hyperbolic plane and $E_8(-1)$ is the negative-definite form of the E8 lattice. In the M-theory K3 duality, this lattice matches the heterotic electric charge lattice. The self-dual harmonic two-forms of a Ricci flat K3 metric span its positive three-plane.