Related papers: From String Backgrounds to Topological Field Theor…
We propose a method of constructing a gauge invariant canonical formulation for non-gauge classical theory which depends on a set of parameters. Requirement of closure for algebra of operators generating quantum gauge transformations leads…
Using an elementary perturbative open string field theory solution involving a twistor-like parameter, we study the cohomology of new nilpotent BRST charge corresponding to the space-time background defined by this solution. The BRST…
We study classical spinning closed string configuration on logarithmically deformed AdS_5 x T^{1,1} background with non-trivial Neveu-Schwarz B-field in which IIB string theory is dual to a non-conformal N=1 SU(N+M) x SU(N) gauge theory.…
We study the topological string on local P2 with O-plane and D-brane at its real locus, using three complementary techniques. In the A-model, we refine localization on the moduli space of maps with respect to the torus action preserved by…
A systematic field theoretic formalism for treating Fermionic resonances with non zero width is given. The implication of unitarity to coupling constants of non local interactions is shown. The extension of the formalism to Bosonic…
This is an introduction to two-dimensional conformal field theory and its applications in string theory. Modern concepts of conformal field theory are explained, and it is outlined how they are used in recent studies of D-branes in the…
We treat RR flux backgrounds of type II string theory in the framework of closed superstring field theory based on the NSR formalism, focusing on two examples: (1) the pp-wave background supported by 5-form flux, and (2) $AdS_3\times…
By using a bosonization we uncover the topological gravity structure of Labastida, Pernici and Witten in ordinary $2d$ gravity coupled to $(p,q)$ minimal models. We study the cohomology class associated with the fermionic charge of the…
In order to investigate to what extent string theories are different vacua of a general string theory (the ``universal string"), we discuss realizations of the bosonic string as particular background of certain types of $W$-strings. Our…
$G/G$ topological field theories based on $G_k$ WZW models are constructed and studied. These coset models are formulated as Complex BRST cohomology in $G^c_k$, the complexified level $k$ current algebra. The finite physical spectrum…
In this work we provide a self-contained and modern introduction to some of the tools, obstacles and open questions arising in string compactifications. Techniques and current progress are illustrated in the context of smooth heterotic…
We present a perturbative study of Ramond-Ramond backgrounds in the NSR formalism. We show how to perform sigma-model computations and discuss in detail the structure of the BRST charge and picture-changing operators. Contact terms play a…
We discuss the BSRT quantization of 2D $N=1$ supergravity coupled to superconformal matter with $\hat{c} \leq 1$ in the conformal gauge. The physical states are computed as BRST cohomology. In particular, we consider the ring structure and…
We prove the decomposition theorem for the loop homotopy algebra of quantum closed string field theory and use it to show that closed string field theory is unique up to gauge transformations on a given string background and given S-matrix.…
This elementary introduction to string field theory highlights the features and the limitations of this approach to quantum gravity as it is currently understood. String field theory is a formulation of string theory as a field theory in…
In general bosonic closed string backgrounds the ghost-dilaton is not the only state in the semi-relative BRST cohomology that can change the dimensionless string coupling. This fact is used to establish complete dilaton theorems in closed…
These are expository lectures reviewing (1) recent developments in two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory, and (2) the construction of topological field theory Lagrangians. Topological field theory is discussed from the point of view of…
We revisit the theory of background fields constructed on the BRST-algebra of a spinning particle with $\mathcal{N}=4$ worldline supersymmetry, whose spectrum contains the graviton but no other fields. On a generic background, the closure…
A kind of topological field theory is proposed as a candidate to describe the global structure of the 2-form Einstein gravity with or without a cosmological constant. Indeed in the former case, we show that a quantum state in the candidate…
These lectures present a general critical assessment of various frameworks for quantum gravity, with particular emphasis on string theory. The topics discussed cover field-theoretical approaches to quantum gravity, anomalies, bosonic and…