Related papers: String Theory Without Branes
We describe how the D-brane spectra of the various ten-dimensional string theories can be related to general properties of the open-closed duality, encoded in the $S$ and $P$ matrices of the conformal field theory. We also complete the…
The first part is an introduction to conformal field theory and string perturbation theory. The second part deals with the search for a deeper answer to the question posed in the title. Contents: 1. Conformal Field Theory 2. String Theory…
This is an introduction to the non-perturbative excitations of string theory known as D-branes. Topics covered include their definition and main properties, their role in dualities and their dynamics. Based on lectures given at LACES 2019,…
The physical motivations and the basic construction rules for Type I strings and M-theory compactifications are reviewed in light of the recent developments. The first part contains the basic theoretical ingredients needed for building…
We study the perturbative S-matrix of closed strings in the two-dimensional type 0B string theory from the worldsheet perspective, by directly integrating correlation functions of ${\cal N}=1$ Liouville theory. The latter is computed…
We find an interesting connection between perturbative large N gauge theory and closed superstrings. The gauge theory in question is found on N D3-branes placed at the tip of the cone R^6/Gamma. In our previous work we showed that, when the…
We consider the equations of motion of the non-abelian 5-branes theory recently constructed in http://arxiv.org/abs/arXiv:1203.4224 and find exact string solutions both for uncompactified and compactified spacetime. Although one does not…
The mathematical idea of resurgence allows one to obtain nonperturbative information from the large-order behavior of perturbative expansions. This idea can be very fruitful in physics applications, in particular if one does not have access…
We formulate matrix string models on a class of exact string backgrounds with non constant RR-flux parameterized by a holomorphic prepotential function and with manifest (2,2) supersymmetry. This lifts these string theories to M-theory…
We review particle physics model building in type IIB string theory and F-theory. This is a region in the landscape where in principle many of the key ingredients required for a realistic model of particle physics can be combined…
We construct cosmological spacetimes with null Kasner-like singularities as purely gravitational solutions with no other background fields turned on. These can be recast as anisotropic plane-wave spacetimes by coordinate transformations. We…
An algebraic proof of the Gluing Theorem at tree level of perturbation theory in String Field Theory is given. Some applications of the theorem to closed string non-polynomial action are briefly discussed
The first part of this thesis is a general introduction to the bosonic and fermionic string theory, to the concept of D brane and to string dualities. A discussion of anomalies cancellation closes the chapter. The second part of the thesis…
We consider two questions in string ``phenomenology.'' First, are there any generic string predictions? Second, are there any general lessons which string theory suggests for thinking about low energy models, particularly in the framework…
We propose a new formalism for quantum field theory which is neither based on functional integrals, nor on Feynman graphs, but on marked trees. This formalism is constructive, i.e. it computes correlation functions through convergent rather…
A study is made of the implications of heterotic string $T$-duality and extended gauge symmetry for the conjectured equivalence of heterotic and Type I superstrings. While at first sight heterotic string world-sheet dynamics appears to…
We review some aspects of the interplay between the dynamics of branes in string theory and the classical and quantum physics of gauge theories with different numbers of supersymmetries in various dimensions.
We solve the equation of motion of boundary string field theory allowing generic boundary operators quadratic in $X$, and explore string theory non-perturbative vacua with massive state condensation. Using numerical analysis, a large number…
The string and brane tensions do not have to be put in by hand, they can be dynamically generated, as in the case when we formulate string and brane theories in the modified measure formalism. Then string and brane tensions appears, but as…
There are at present two known string theories in $(2,2)$ dimensions. One of them is the well known $N=2$ string, and the other one is a more recently constructed $N=1$ spacetime supersymmetric string. They are both based on certain…