Related papers: Algebraic and Geometric Structures in String Backg…
We describe the Gerstenhaber algebra structure on the Hochschild cohomology HH*$(A)$ when $A$ is a quadratic string algebra. First we compute the Hochschild cohomology groups using Barzdell's resolution and we describe generators of these…
Motivated by the descent equation in string theory, we give a new interpretation for the action of the symmetry charges on the BRST cohomology in terms of what we call {\em the Gerstenhaber bracket}. This bracket is compatible with the…
The BRST structure of polynomial Poisson algebras is investigated. It is shown that Poisson algebras provide non trivial models where the full BRST recursive procedure is needed. Quadratic Poisson algebras may already be of arbitrarily high…
The main limitations of string field theory arise because its present formulation requires a background representing a classical solution, a background defined by a strictly conformally invariant theory. Here we sketch a construction for a…
We start studying chiral algebras (as defined by A. Beilinson and V. Drinfeld) from the point of view of deformation theory. First, we define the notion of deformation of a chiral algebra on a smooth curve $X$ over a bundle of local…
We construct a universal envelope for any Poisson- and Gerstenhaber algebra. While the deformation theory of Poisson algebras seems to be partially trivial, results from string- and M-theory suggest a rich deformation theory of Gerstenhaber…
This is an invited contribution to the 2nd edition of the Encyclopedia of Mathematical Physics. We review the following algebraic structures which appear in two-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT): The symmetries of two-dimensional…
A careful treatment of closed string BRST cohomology shows that there are more discrete states and associated symmetries in $D=2$ string theory than has been recognized hitherto. The full structure, at the $SU(2)$ radius, has a natural…
I summarize some recent results obtained in collaboration with P.~Bouwknegt and K.~Pilch on the spectrum of physical states in $\cW_3$ gravity coupled to $c=2$ matter. In particular, it is shown that the algebra of operators corresponding…
A geometric string solution has background fields in overlapping coordinate patches related by diffeomorphisms and gauge transformations, while for a non-geometric background this is generalised to allow transition functions involving…
A garland based on a manifold $P$ is a finite set of manifolds homeomorphic to $P$ with some of them glued together at marked points. Fix a manifold $M$ and consider a space $\NN$ of all smooth mappings of garlands based on $P$ into $M$. We…
The purpose of this paper is to establish an explicit correspondence between various geometric structures on a vector bundle with some well-known algebraic structures such as Gerstenhaber algebras and BV-algebras. Some applications are…
Several examples of similarity transformations connecting two string theories with different backgrounds are reviewed. We also discuss general structure behind the similarity transformations from the point of view of the topological…
In any string theory there is a hidden, twisted superconformal symmetry algebra, part of which is made up by the BRST current and the anti-ghost. We investigate how this algebra can be systematically constructed for strings with $N\!-\!2$…
In this thesis we study string compactifications on manifolds equipped with a $G$-structure, placing a special emphasis on the interplay between geometry and physics. We follow two complementary approaches. In the first part of the thesis…
We determine explicitly all structure constants of the whole chiral BRST cohomology ring in $D=2$ string theory including both the discrete states and tachyon states. This is made possible by establishing several identities for Schur…
We present a way of constructing string solutions around non-trivial gravitational backgrounds. The proposed solutions are constructed using $N = 4$ superconformal building blocks with $\hat c = 4$. We give two different and inequivalent…
This review provides an introduction to non-geometric backgrounds in string theory. Starting from a discussion of T-duality, geometric and non-geometric torus-fibrations are reviewed, generalised geometry and its relation to non-geometric…
We explain the basics of conformal theory using the language of chiral algebras of Beilinson and Drinfeld.
It is argued that chiral algebras of conformal field theory possess a W-algebra structure. A survey of explicitly known W-algebras and their constructions is given. (Talk given at the XIX International Colloquium on ``Group Theoretical…