On the geometry of classically integrable two-dimensional non-linear sigma models

A master equation expressing the zero curvature representation of the equations of motion of a two-dimensional non-linear sigma models is found. The geometrical properties of this equation are outlined. Special attention is paid to those representations possessing a spectral parameter. Furthermore, a closer connection between integrability and T-duality transformations is emphasised. Finally, new integrable non-linear sigma models are found and all their corresponding Lax pairs depend on a spectral parameter.