Progress in RNS string theory and pure spinors

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511920998.007

7 - Progress in RNS string theory and pure spinors

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 August 2012

Edited by

Amanda Weltman and

Dimitry Polyakov: Affiliation:
University of the Witwatersrand
Jeff Murugan: Affiliation:
University of Cape Town
Amanda Weltman: Affiliation:
University of Cape Town
George F. R. Ellis: Affiliation:
University of Cape Town

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Summary

This chapter is a review of the program of understanding the gauge theory/gravity correspondence through a study of the RNS superstring. In particular, we show how to define string field theory actions in curved backgrounds by constructing a sequence of new nilpotent BRST operators in RNS string theory. Our construction is based on the presence of local gauge symmetries in RNS superstring theory leading to an infinite chain of new BRST generators that can be classified in terms of ghost cohomologies.

Introduction

Gauge–string duality is arguably one of the most profound problems in modern physics [1–11]. This duality implies that the gauge-invariant observables (operators) in QCD are in one-to-one correspondence with the physical states (vertex operators) in string theory. The reason why extended objects (such as strings) appear in QCD is quite natural. If we recall standard electrodynamics, there are two ways of describing it: either in terms of local electric fields (Coulomb's approach), or in terms of the geometry of electric field lines (Faraday's approach). In the case of electromagnetic theory, Coulomb's approach turns out to be far more efficient. In the case of QCD, however, things are quite different. While the electric field lines created by the charged particles are spread over the entire space, the gluon field lines are confined to thin flux tubes. These flux tubes, connecting quarks, can be naturally interpreted as one-dimensional extended objects, known as QCD strings.

Type: Chapter
Information: Foundations of Space and Time
Reflections on Quantum Gravity
, pp. 125 - 139

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511920998.007 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2012

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