Related papers: Unitary and Complex Matrix Models as 1-d Type 0 St…
The c<1 and c>1 matrix models are analyzed within large N renormalization group, taking into account touching (or branching) interactions. The c<1 modified matrix model with string exponent gamma>0 is naturally associated with an unstable…
Recent results on the annulus partition function in Liouville field theory are applied to non-critical string theory, both below and above the critical dimension. Liouville gravity coupled to $c\le 1$ matter has a dual formulation as a…
A supersymmetric version of the Virasoro minimal string was defined some time ago using random matrix model techniques. Several of the special properties of the matrix model that were noted (accessible fully non-perturbatively) underlie…
In this thesis generalizations of matrix and eigenvalue models involving supersymmetry are discussed. Following a brief review of the Hermitian one matrix model, the c=-2 matrix model is considered. Built from a matrix valued superfield…
We propose a nonperturbative framework for the O(32) type I open and closed string theory. The short distance degrees of freedom are bosonic and fermionic hermitian matrices belonging respectively to the adjoint and fundamental…
The (bosonic) Virasoro minimal string, which relates worldsheet string theory to a deformation of the JT gravity matrix model, provides an interesting example of a tractable matrix/string duality. We explore its $\mathcal{N} =1$…
We investigate unoriented strings and superstrings in two dimensions and their dual matrix quantum mechanics. Most of the models we study have a tachyon tadpole coming from the RP^2 worldsheet which needs to be cancelled by a…
Well-defined non-perturbative formulations of the physics of string theories, sometimes with D-branes present, were identified over a decade ago, from a careful study of double scaled matrix models. Following recent work which recasts some…
We discuss some aspects of closed superstrings in Melvin-type magnetic backgrounds. A 2-parameter family of such NS-NS backgrounds are exactly solvable as weakly coupled string models with the spectrum containing tachyonic modes. Magnetic…
We consider the S-matrix of c=1 Liouville theory with vanishing cosmological constant. We examine some of the constraints imposed by unitarity. These completely determine (N,2) amplitudes at tree level in terms of the (N,1) amplitudes when…
Models of closed superstrings in certain curved NS-NS magnetic flux backgrounds are exactly solvable in terms of free fields. They interpolate between free superstring theories with periodic and antiperiodic boundary conditions for fermions…
We use recently obtained 2-loop string coupling constants to analyze a class of string models based on orbifold compactification. Assuming weak coupling at the string scale and single-scale unification leads to restrictions on the spectrum…
We study ZZ instanton corrections in the $(2,4k)$ $N=1$ minimal superstring theory with the type 0B GSO projection, which becomes the type 0B $N=1$ super-JT gravity in the $k \to \infty$ limit. Each member of the $(2,4k)$ family of theories…
We study the topological B-model on a deformed $\Z_2$ orbifolded conifold by investigating variation of complex structures via quantum Kodaira-Spencer theories. The fermionic/brane formulation together with systematic utilization of…
We study the (type 0B) $\mathcal{N}=1$ supersymmetric complex Liouville string ($\text{S}\mathbb{C}\text{LS}$), a supersymmetric extension of the bosonic complex Liouville string ($\mathbb{C}\text{LS}$). We compute the sphere three-point…
We study the holographic duals of type II and heterotic matrix string theories described by warped AdS_3 supergravities. By explicitly solving the linearized equations of motion around near horizon D-string geometries, we determine the…
In these talks we review some of the recent results on open strings and noncommutative gauge theories, starting from the early calculations of open strings in a constant electromagnetic background. We discuss both the neutral string and the…
We study topological and integrable aspects of $\hat{c}=1$ strings. We consider the circle line theories 0A and 0B at particular radii, and the super affine theories at their self-dual radii. We construct their ground rings, identify them…
We show that $\N=1$ gauge theories with an adjoint chiral multiplet admit a wide class of large-N double-scaling limits where $N$ is taken to infinity in a way coordinated with a tuning of the bare superpotential. The tuning is such that…
An interesting class of time dependent backgrounds in $1+1$ dimensional string theory involves worldsheet Liouville walls which move in (target space) time. When a parameter in such a background exceeds a certain critical value, the speed…