Related papers: A String Derivation of the $\nd{S}$ matrix
We investigate the conformal string $\sigma $-model corresponding to a general five-dimensional non-extremal black hole solution. In the horizon region the theory reduces to an exactly solvable conformal field theory. We determine the…
This essay presents a critical evaluation of the concepts of string theory and its impact on particle physics. The point of departure is a historical review of four decades of ST within the broader context of six decades of failed attempts…
String theory relies on spacetime supersymmetry to guarantee the existence of stable vacua. In this review, we survey two features of non-supersymmetric strings that challenge both aspects: the appearance of tachyons and worldsheet…
We propose a two-dimensional superstring sigma model that defines a self-contained corner of heterotic string theory, whose second quantization is heterotic matrix string theory. This worldsheet theory arises from a BPS decoupling limit…
An interesting case of string/black hole transition occurs in two-dimensional non-critical string theory dressed with a compact CFT. In these models the high energy densities of states of perturbative strings and black holes have the same…
The string theory in the Penrose limit of AdS_2 x S^2 is investigated. The specific Penrose limit is the background known as the Nappi-Witten spacetime, which is a plane-wave background with an axion field. The string theory on it is given…
We study string theory in supersymmetric time-dependent backgrounds. In the framework of general relativity, supersymmetry for spacetimes without flux implies the existence of a covariantly constant null vector, and a relatively simple form…
We study the perturbative $S$-matrix of the $c=1$ string and show that it admits a description in terms of a double-scaled (0+0)-dimensional matrix integral based on the spectral curve $\mathsf{x}(z) = 2\sqrt{2}\cos(z)$,…
We present a general discussion of strings propagating on noncompact coset spaces $G/H$ in terms of gauged WZW models, emphasizing the role played by isometries in the existence of target space duality. Fixed points of the gauged…
We construct a relativistic scattering theory based on a q deformation and large string tension limit of the magnon S-matrix of the string world sheet theory in AdS_5 x S^5. The S-matrix falls naturally into a previously studied class…
A discrete string theory --a theory of embeddings from ${\bf Z}\times {\bf Z}_C\to {\bf R}^D$, where $C$ is the number of components of the string-- is explored. The closure of the algebra of constraints (`${\bf Z}_C$-Virasoro algebra') is…
We construct a new class of exact and stable superstring solutions based on $N=4$ superconformal world-sheet symmetry. In a subclass of these, the full spectrum of string excitations is derived in a modular-invariant way. In the weak…
We make some observations regarding string/black hole correspondence with a view to understanding the nature of the quantum degrees of freedom of a black hole in string theory. In particular, we compare entropy change in analogous string…
The quantization of circular strings in an anti-de Sitter background spacetime is performed, obtaining a discrete spectrum for the string mass. A comparison with a four-dimensional homogeneous and isotropic spacetime coupled to a conformal…
This thesis is almost entirely devoted to studying string theory backgrounds characterized by simple geometrical and integrability properties. The archetype of this type of system is given by Wess-Zumino-Witten models, describing string…
This study investigates a Schwarzschild-anti de Sitter black hole coupled to a cloud of strings featuring only the electric-like component of the string bivector, embedded in a perfect fluid dark matter and a quintessence field. We examine…
We analyze the nature of space-time nonlocality in string theory. After giving a brief overview on the conjecture of the space-time uncertainty principle, a (semi-classical) reformulation of string quantum mechanics, in which the dynamics…
In string theories, interactions are exponentially suppressed for trans-Planckian space-like external momenta. We study a class of quantum field theories that exhibit this feature modeled after Witten's bosonic open string field theory, and…
This is a review of some beautiful matrix models related to the moduli space of Riemann surfaces as well as to noncritical c=1 string theory at self-dual radius. These include the Penner model and the W-infinity model, which have different…
This talk begins with some history and basic facts about string theory and its connections with strong interactions. Comparisons of stacks of Dirichlet branes with curved backgrounds produced by them are used to motivate the AdS/CFT…