Topological Strings and Quantum Curves
Abstract
This thesis presents several new insights on the interface between mathematics and theoretical physics, with a central role for fermions on Riemann surfaces. First of all, the duality between Vafa-Witten theory and WZW models is embedded into string theory. Secondly, this model is generalized to a web of dualities connecting topological string theory and N=2 supersymmetric gauge theories to a configuration of D-branes that intersect over a Riemann surface. This description yields a new perspective on topological string theory in terms of a KP integrable system based on a quantum curve. Thirdly, this thesis describes a geometric analysis of wall-crossing in N=4 string theory. And lastly, it offers a novel approach to construct metastable vacua in type IIB string theory.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0911.3413,
title = {Topological Strings and Quantum Curves},
author = {Lotte Hollands},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0911.3413},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
PhD thesis, July 2009, 308 pages, 65 figures