118175128
Field theory and strings
117730967
Generalized Wess-Zumino terms and global anomalies in string sigma models
6392662
Loop and Path Spaces and¶Four-Dimensional BF Theories:¶Connections, Holonomies and Observables
Abstract: We study the differential geometry of principal G-bundles whose base space is the space of free paths (loops) on a manifold M. In particular we consider connections defined in terms of pairs (A,B), where A is a connection for a fixed principal bundle P(M,G) and B is a 2-form on M. The relevant curvatures, parallel transports and holonomies are computed and their expressions in local coordinates are exhibited. When the 2-form B is given by the curvature of A, then the so-called non-abelian Stokes formula follows.For a generic 2-form B, we distinguish the cases when the parallel transport depends on the whole path of paths and when it depends only on the spanned surface. In particular we discuss generalizations of the non-abelian Stokes formula. We study also the invariance properties of the (trace of the) holonomy under suitable transformation groups acting on the pairs (A,B).In this way we are able to define observables for both topological and non-topological quantum field theories of the BF type. In the non-topological case, the surface terms may be relevant for the understanding of the quark-confinement problem. In the topological case the (perturbative) four-dimensional quantum BF-theory is expected to yield invariants of imbedded (or immersed) surfaces in a 4-manifold M.
121725055
Conformal invariance on a generic Riemann surface in the presence of a non-flat background metric
Abstract By using bases of meromorphic differentials, recently proposed by Krichever and Novikov, we calculate the brackets of the moments of the energy-momentum tensor of a bosonic string theory in the presence of a generic target metric. To do this we expand the target metric in normal coordinates. To the lowest perturbative order we find that the BRST operator is nilpotent if we impose the condition that the Ricci tensor of the target metric vanish.
119943646
Relation between representations of KN and virasoro algebras
Abstract Some aspects of conformal field theory over Riemann surfaces are examined. We study, in particular, on simple systems (b−c systems) the relation between representations of the Virasoro and the KN algebras. KN algebra representations decompose into an infinite sum of the Virasoro algebra representations. We argue that the KN algebra representations are the right tool in order to classify conformal field theories over higher genus Riemann surfaces.
117924192
Generalized wess-zumino terms
16113420
Self-T-dual brane cosmology and the cosmological constant problem
We consider a codimension-one brane embedded in a gravity-dilaton bulk action, whose symmetries are compatible with T-duality along the space-like directions parallel to the brane, and the bulk time-like direction. The equations of motions in the string frame allow for a smooth background obtained by the union of two symmetric patches of AdS space. The Poincare invariance of the solution appears to hold independently of the value of the brane vacuum energy, through a self-tuning property of the dilaton ground state. Moreover, the effective cosmology displays a bounce, at which the scale factor does not shrink to zero. Finally, by exploiting the T-duality symmetry, we show how to construct an ever-expanding Universe, along the lines of the Pre-Big-Bang scenario.
8497922
Modified Dispersion Relations and trans-Planckian Physics
We consider modified dispersion relations in quantum field theory on curved space-time. Such relations, despite breaking the local Lorentz invariance at high energy, are considered in several phenomenological approaches to quantum gravity. Their existence involves a modification of the formalism of quantum field theory, starting from the problem of finding the scalar Green's functions up to the renormalization of various quantum expectation values. In this work we consider a simple example of such modifications, in the case of ultra-static metric. We show how to overcome the lack of Lorentz invariance by introducing a preferred frame, with respect to which we can express the Green's functions as an integral over all frequencies of a space-dependent function. The latter can be expanded in momentum space, and by integrating over all frequencies, we finally find the expansion of the Green's function up to four derivatives of the metric tensor. The relation with the proper-time formalism is also discussed.
18733372
Bubbles in anti-de Sitter space
We explore the bubble spacetimes which can be obtained from double analytic continuations of static and rotating black holes in anti-de Sitter space. In particular, we find that rotating black holes with elliptic horizon lead to bubble spacetimes only in dimension greater than five. For dimension greater than seven, the topology of the bubble can be non-spherical. However, a bubble spacetime is shown to arise from a rotating de Sitter black hole in four dimensions. In all cases, the evolution of the bubble is of de Sitter type. Double analytic continuations of hyperbolic black holes and branes are also discussed.
12251695
Self-T-Dual Brane Cosmology
We show how T-duality can be implemented with brane cosmology. As a result, we obtain a smooth bouncing cosmology with features similar to the ones of the pre-Big Bang scenario. Also, by allowing T-duality transformations along the time-like direction, we find a static solution that displays an interesting self tuning property.
119218958
A minimal length versus the Unruh effect
Abstract In this Letter we study the radiation measured by an accelerated detector, coupled to a scalar field, in the presence of a fundamental minimal length. The latter is implemented by means of a modified momentum space Green's function. After calibrating the detector, we find that the net flux of field quanta is negligible, and that there is no Planckian spectrum. We discuss possible interpretations of this result, and we comment on experimental implications in heavy ion collisions and atomic systems.