We formulate a set of consistency conditions appropriate to worldsheet form factors in the massive, integrable but non-relativistic, light-cone gauge fixed AdS(5) x S**5 string theory. We then perturbatively verify that these conditions hold, at tree level in the near-plane-wave limit and to one loop in the near-flat (Maldacena-Swanson) limit, for a number of specific cases. We further study the form factors in the weakly coupled dual description, verifying that the relevant conditions naturally hold for the one-loop Heisenberg spin-chain. Finally, we note that the near-plane-wave expressions for the form factors, when further expanded in small momentum or, equivalently, large charge density, reproduce the thermodynamic limit of the spin-chain results at leading order.
We construct the operator product expansions (OPE) of the chiral primary operators in the worldsheet theory for strings on AdS_3 x S^3 x T^4. As an interesting application, we will use the worldsheet OPEs to derive a recursion relation for a particular class of extremal p-point correlators on the sphere. We compare our result with the corresponding recursion relation previously found in the symmetric orbifold theory on the boundary of AdS_3.
We explore the connection between the operator product expansion (OPE) in the boundary and worldsheet conformal field theories in the context of AdS$_{d+1}$/CFT$_d$ correspondence. Considering single trace scalar operators in the boundary theory and using the saddle point analysis of the worldsheet OPE [1], we derive an explicit relation between OPE coefficients in the boundary and worldsheet theories for the contribution of single trace spin $\ell$ operators to the OPE. We also consider external vector operators and obtain the relation between OPE coefficients for the exchange of single trace…
The AdS(4)/CFT(3) duality is a new example of an integrable and exactly solvable AdS/CFT system. There is, however, a puzzling mismatch between the number of degrees of freedom used in the exact solution (4B+4F scattering states) and 8B+8F transverse oscillation modes of critical superstring theory. We offer a resolution of this puzzle by arguing that half of the string modes dissolve in the continuum of two-particle states once alpha' corrections are taken into account. We also check that the conjectured exact S-matrix of AdS(4)/CFT(3) agrees with the tree-level worldsheet calculation.
The AdS_3/CFT_2 correspondence is checked beyond the supergravity approximation by comparing correlation functions. To this end we calculate 2- and 3-point functions on the sphere of certain chiral primary operators for strings on AdS_3 x S^3 x T^4. These results are then compared with the corresponding amplitudes in the dual 2-dimensional conformal field theory. In the limit of small string coupling, where the sphere diagrams dominate the string perturbation series, beautiful agreement is found.
In this note we study worldsheet two- and four-point functions at the one-loop level for the type IIA superstring in AdS(3) x S(3) x M(4) . We first address the regularization ambiguity that appears in the dispersion relation derived from integrability. We demonstrate that only the regulator treating all fields equally respects worldsheet supersymmetry. This is done in an implicit regularization scheme where all divergent terms are collected into master tadpole-type integrals. We then investigate one-loop two-body scattering on the string worldsheet and verify that a recent proposal for the dr…
Superstring theory on ${\rm AdS}_3\times {\rm S}^3\times \mathbb{T}^4$ with the smallest amount of NS-NS flux (`$k=1$') is shown to be dual to the spacetime CFT given by the large $N$ limit of the free symmetric product orbifold $\mathrm{Sym}^N(\mathbb{T}^4)$. To define the worldsheet theory at $k=1$, we employ the hybrid formalism in which the ${\rm AdS}_3\times {\rm S}^3$ part is described by the $\mathfrak{psu}(1,1|2)_1$ WZW model (which is well defined). Unlike the case for $k\geq2$, it turns out that the string spectrum at $k=1$ does {\it not} exhibit the long string continuum, and perfec…
We continue our study of the worldsheet theory of superstrings on $\mathrm{AdS}_3 \times \mathrm{S}^3 \times \mathbb{T}^4$ in the tensionless limit arXiv:1911.00378. We consider the theory on higher genus surfaces. We give evidence that the worldsheet correlators localise on certain worldsheets that cover the boundary of $\mathrm{AdS}_3$ holomorphically. This simplifies the string moduli space integral dramatically to a finite sum. This property shows that the higher genus corrections of the string worldsheet reproduce the structure of the $1/N$ corrections in the dual symmetric orbifold CFT $…
We continue to investigate planar four point worldsheet correlators of string theories which are conjectured to be duals of free gauge theories. We focus on the extremal correlators <Tr(Z^{J_1}(x)) Tr(Z^{J_2}(y)) Tr(Z^{J_3}(z)) Tr(\bar{Z}^{J}(0))> of $N = 4$ SYM theory, and construct the corresponding worldsheet correlators in the limit when the $J_i >> 1$. The worldsheet correlator gets contributions, in this limit, from a whole family of Feynman graphs. We find that it is supported on a {\it curve} in the moduli space parametrised by the worldsheet crossratio. In a further limit of the space…
We confront the recently proposed exact S-matrices for AdS(3)/CFT(2) with direct worldsheet calculations. Utilizing the BMN and Near Flat Space (NFS) expansions for strings on AdS(3) x S(3) x S(3) x S(1) and AdS(3) x S(3) x T(4) we compute both tree-level and one-loop scattering amplitudes. Up to some minor issues we find nice agreement in the tree-level sector. At the one-loop level however we find that certain non-zero tree-level processes, which are not visible in the exact solution, contribute, via the optical theorem, and give an apparent mismatch for certain amplitudes. Furthermore we fi…
We present a study of the worldsheets that describe the classical limit of various string scattering processes. Our main focus is on string scattering in AdS spacetime because of its relation via the AdS/CFT correspondence to gluon scattering in {\cal N}=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. But we also consider analogous processes in flat Minkowski spacetime which we compare to the AdS case. In addition to scattering of string by string we also find and study worldsheets describing the scattering of a string by external sources.
We calculate some extremal and non-extremal four-point functions on the sphere of certain chiral primary operators for strings on AdS_3 x S^3 x T^4. The computation is done for small values of the spacetime cross-ratio where global SL(2) and SU(2) descendants may be neglected in the intermediate channel. Ignoring also current algebra descendants, we find that in the non-extremal case the integrated worldsheet correlators factorize into spacetime three-point functions, which is non-trivial due to the integration over the moduli space. We then restrict to the extremal case and compare our result…
We consider the AdS_4 x CP^3 IIA superstring sigma-model in the background of the "spinning string" classical solution, which possesses two Noether spins. In the limit when one of the spins is infinite there are massless excitations, which govern the infrared worldsheet properties of the model. We obtain a sigma-model of CP^3 with fermions, which describes the dynamics of these massless modes.
In this work we propose a systematic way to compute the logarithmic divergences of composite operators in the pure spinor description of the $AdS_5\times S^5$ superstring. The computations of these divergences can be summarized in terms of a dilatation operator acting on the local operators. We check our results with some important composite operators of the formalism.
We use the AdS/CFT correspondence to discuss the response of an accelerated observer to the quantum vacuum fluctuations. In particular, we study heavy quarks probing a strongly coupled CFT by analysing strings moving in AdS. We propose that, in this context, a non-trivial detection rate is associated to the existence of a worldsheet horizon and we find an Unruh-like expression for the worldsheet temperature. Finally, by examining a rotating string in global AdS we find that there is a transition between string embeddings with and without worldsheet horizon. The dual picture corresponds to havi…
The BPS correlators of the symmetric product orbifold $\text{Sym}_N(\mathbb{T}^4)$ are reproduced from the dual worldsheet theory describing strings on $\text{AdS}_3\times {\rm S}^3\times \mathbb{T}^4$ with minimal ($k=1$) NS-NS flux. More specifically, we show that the worldsheet duals of the symmetric orbifold BPS states can be identified with their lift to the covering surface, thereby making the matching of the correlators essentially manifest. We also argue that the argument can be generalised to arbitrary descendants, using suitable DDF operators on the worldsheet.
We obtain the all-loop worldsheet S matrix for fundamental excitations on AdS_3 x S^3 x T^4 by studying the off-shell symmetry algebra of the superspace action in lightcone gauge. The massless modes, unaccounted for in earlier works, are automatically included in our treatment. Their exact dispersion relation is found to be non-relativistic, of giant-magnon form and their scattering is naturally well-defined. This opens the way to a complete investigation of AdS_3/CFT_2 integrability.
The integrability-based solution of string theories related to AdS(n)/CFT(n-1) dualities relies on the worldsheet S matrix. Using generalized unitarity we construct the terms with logarithmic dependence on external momenta at one- and two-loop order in the worldsheet S matrix for strings in a general integrable worldsheet theory. We also discuss aspects of calculations at higher orders. The S-matrix elements are expressed as sums of integrals with coefficients given in terms of tree-level worldsheet four-point scattering amplitudes. One-loop rational functions, not determined by two-dimensiona…
We examine the leading Regge string states relevant for semi-classical spinning string solutions. Using elementary RNS techniques, quadratic terms in an effective lagrangian are constructed which describe massive NSNS strings in a space-time with five-form flux. We then examine the specific case of AdS_5 x S^5, finding the dependence of AdS "energy" (E_0) on spin in AdS (S), spin on the sphere (J), and orbital angular momentum on the sphere (\nabla_a \nabla^a).
The pure spinor formalism for the superstring can be formulated as a twisted N=2 worldsheet theory with fermionic generators $j_{BRST}$ and composite $b$ ghost. After untwisting the formalism to an N=1 worldsheet theory with fermionic stress tensor $j_{BRST}+b$, the worldsheet variables combine into N=1 worldsheet superfields $X^m$ and $Θ^α$ together with a superfield constraint relating $DX^m$ and $DΘ^α$. The constraint implies that the worldsheet superpartner of $θ^α$ is a bosonic twistor variable, and different solutions of the constraint give rise to the pure spinor or extended RNS formali…
We determine the off-shell symmetry algebra and representations of Type IIB superstring theory on $AdS_3\times S^3 \times T^4$ with mixed R-R and NS-NS three-form flux. We use these to derive the non-perturbative worldsheet S matrix of fundamental excitations of the superstring theory. Our analysis includes both massive and massless modes and shows how turning on mixed three-form flux results in an integrable deformation of the S matrix of the pure R-R theory.
We derive the non-perturbative worldsheet S matrix for fundamental excitations of Type IIB superstring theory on AdS_3 x S^3 x T^4 with Ramond-Ramond flux. To this end, we study the off-shell symmetry algebra of the theory and its representations. We use these to determine the S matrix up to scalar factors and we derive the crossing equations that these scalar factors satisfy. Our treatment automatically includes fundamental massless excitations, removing a long-standing obstacle in using integrability to study the AdS_3/CFT_2 correspondence. The present paper contains a detailed derivation of…
We consider compactifications of type II string theory using exact internal CFT's with central charge $c=9+ε$, $|ε| \ll 1$, leading to an effective potential for the dilaton. For $ε>0$ the potential is positive and the dilaton is ultimately driven to weak coupling. For $ε<0$ the dilaton is driven to strong coupling, but we can stabilise the background by including D-branes. The resulting minimum admits an $AdS_4$ solution where the cosmological constant is of the order $ε^3$ and the string coupling constant is of order $ε$. Furthermore these CFT's typically do not possess any massless or tachy…
We compute perturbative worldsheet S-matrix of beta-deformed AdS/CFT in the strong and weak `t Hooft coupling limit to compare with exact S-matrix. For the purpose we take near BMN limit of TsT-transformed AdS_5 x S^5 with the twisted boundary condition and compute the S-matrix on worldsheet using light-cone gauge fixed Lagrangian. For the weak coupling side, we compute the S-matrix in the SU(3) sector by applying coordinate Bethe ansatz method to the one-loop dilatation operator obtained from the deformed super Yang-Mills theory. These analysis support the conjectured exact S-matrix in the le…
We investigate the behaviour of the bosonic string on AdS3 with H-flux at stringy scales, looking in particular for a `tensionless' limit in which there are massless higher spin gauge fields. We do this by revisiting the physical spectrum of the sl(2,R)$_k$ WZW model and considering the limit in which k becomes small. At k=3 we find that there is an infinite stringy tower of massless higher spin fields which are part of a continuum of light states. This can be viewed as a novel tensionless limit, which appears to be distinct from that inferred from the symmetric orbifold description of superst…
Integrability of the string worldsheet theory in AdS(5) x S(5) is related to the existence of a flat connection depending on the spectral parameter. The transfer matrix is the open-ended Wilson line of this flat connection. We study the product of transfer matrices in the near-flat space expansion of the AdS(5) x S(5) string theory in the pure spinor formalism. The natural operations on Wilson lines with insertions are described in terms of r- and s-matrices satisfying a generalized classical Yang-Baxter equation. The formalism is especially transparent for infinite or closed Wilson lines with…
Pohlmeyer reduction has been instrumental both in the program for computing gluon scattering amplitudes at strong coupling, and more recently in the progress towards semiclassical three-point correlators of heavy operators in AdS/CFT. After a detailed review of the method, we combine it with Darboux and Crum transformations in order to obtain a class of string solutions corresponding to an arbitrary number of kinks and breathers of the elliptic sinh-Gordon equation. We also use our construction in order to identify the previously found dressed giant gluon with the single breather solution.
We study an anisotropic scale transformation in the worldsheet description of D3-branes in Type IIB theory, and show that the transformation is really a symmetry in a region near D3-branes. AdS/CFT correspondence follows from this symmetry. We will explicitly show that Wilson loops in N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and minimal surfaces in AdS_5 are related by the symmetry. The functional form of a supersymmetric Wilson loop operator is naturally derived from our worldsheet point of view.
Quantum non-local charges are central to the quantum integrability of a sigma-model. In this paper we study the quantum consistency and UV finiteness of non-local charges of string theory in AdS(5)xS(5). We use the pure spinor formalism. We develop the near-flat space expansion of the transfer matrix and calculate the one-loop divergences. We find that the logarithmic divergences cancel at the level of one loop. This gives strong support to the quantum integrability of the full string theory. We develop a calculational setup for the renormalization group analysis of Wilson line type of operato…
We study the worldsheet scattering theory of the $η$ deformation of the AdS$_\mathsf{5} \times $S$^\mathsf{5}$ superstring corresponding to the purely fermionic Dynkin diagram. This theory is a Weyl-invariant integrable deformation of the AdS$_\mathsf{5} \times $S$^\mathsf{5}$ superstring, with trigonometric quantum-deformed symmetry. We compute the two-body worldsheet S matrix of this string in the light-cone gauge at tree level to quadratic order in fermions. The result factorizes into two elementary blocks, and solves the classical Yang-Baxter equation. We also determine the corresponding e…
Prompted by the recent developments in integrable single trace $T \bar{T}$ and $J \bar{T}$ deformations of 2d CFTs, we analyse such deformations in the context of $AdS_3/CFT_2$ from the dual string worldsheet CFT viewpoint. We observe that the finite form of these deformations can be recast as $O(d,d)$ transformations, which are an integrated form of the corresponding Exactly Marginal Deformations (EMD) in the worldsheet Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) model, thereby generalising the Yang-Baxter class that includes TsT. Furthermore, the equivalence between $O(d,d)$ transformations and marginal deform…
We extend the analysis of Alday and Maldacena for obtaining gluon scattering amplitudes at strong coupling to include external massive quark states. Our quarks are actually the N=2 hypermultiplets which arise when D7-brane probes are included in the AdS_5 x S^5 geometry. We work in the quenched approximation, treating the N=2 matter multiplets as external sources coupled to the N=4 SYM fields. We first derive appropriate massive-particle boundary conditions for the string scattering worldsheets. We then find an exact worldsheet which corresponds to the scattering of two massive quarks and two …
We compute the operator product expansions of gluons and gravitons in celestial CFT from the worldsheet OPE of vertex operators of four-dimensional ambitwistor string theories. Remarkably, the worldsheet OPE localizes on the short-distance singularity between vertex operator insertions which in turn coincides with the OPE limit of operator insertions on the celestial sphere. The worldsheet CFT dynamically produces known celestial OPE coefficients -- as well as infinite towers of SL$(2,\mathbb{R})$ descendant contributions to the celestial OPE -- without any truncations or approximations. We ob…
We investigate type IIB strings on $\mathrm{AdS}_3\times \mathrm{S}^3\times \mathrm{S}^3\times\mathrm{S}^1$ with mixed Ramond-Ramond (R-R) and Neveu-Schwarz-Neveu-Schwarz (NS-NS) flux. By suitably gauge-fixing the closed string Green-Schwarz (GS) action of this theory, we derive the off-shell symmetry algebra and its representations. We use these to determine the non-perturbative worldsheet S-matrix of fundamental excitations in the theory. The analysis involves both massive and massless modes in complete generality. The S-matrix we find involves a number of phase factors, which in turn satisf…
It was recently shown that the CFT dual of string theory on ${\rm AdS}_3 \times {\rm S}^3 \times T^4$, the symmetric orbifold of $T^4$, contains a closed higher spin subsector. Via holography, this makes precise the sense in which tensionless string theory on this background contains a Vasiliev higher spin theory. In this paper we study this phenomenon directly from the worldsheet. Using the WZW description of the background with pure NS-NS flux, we identify the states that make up the leading Regge trajectory and show that they fit into the even spin ${\cal N}=4$ Vasiliev higher spin theory. …
Worldsheet string theory on $\mathrm{AdS}_3 \times \mathbf{S}^3 \times \mathrm{K3}$
University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences（中国科学院大学）；Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Amsterdam（阿姆斯特丹大学理论物理研究所）；Institut für Theoretische Physik, ETH Zürich（苏黎世联邦理工学院理论物理研究所）；Department of Mathematics, King’s College London（伦敦国王学院数学系）；Center for Quantum Mathematics and Physics (QMAP) Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Davis（加州大学戴维斯分校物理学与天文学系量子数学与物理中心）
In this short review (to appear as a contribution to an edited volume) we discuss perturbative and non-perturbative approaches to the quantization of the Green-Schwarz string in AdS backgrounds with RR-fluxes, where the guiding thread is the use of genuine field theory methods, the search for a good regularization scheme associated to them and the generality of the analysis carried out. We touch upon various computational setups, both analytical and numerical, and on the role of their outcomes in understanding the detailed structure of the AdS/CFT correspondence.
We consider bosonic strings propagating on Euclidean adS_3, and study in particular the realization of various worldsheet symmetries. We give a proper definition for the Brown-Henneaux asymptotic target space symmetry, when acting on the string action, and derive the Giveon-Kutasov-Seiberg worldsheet contour integral representation simply by using Noether's theorem. We show that making identifications in the target space is equivalent to the insertion of an (exponentiated) graviton vertex operator carrying the corresponding charge. Finally, we point out an interesting relation between 3D gravi…
We compute the massive-sector worldsheet S-matrix for superstring theories in AdS(n) x S(n) x T(10-2n) (with n=2,3,5) in the near BMN expansion up to one-loop order in inverse string tension. We show that, after taking into account the wave function renormalization, the one-loop S-matrix is UV finite. In an appropriate regularization scheme the S-matrix is consistent with the underlying symmetries of the superstring theory, i.e. for the n=3,5 cases it coincides with the one implied by the light-cone gauge symmetries with the dressing phases determined from the crossing equations. For the n=2,3…
Singularities of Spin(7) manifolds are considered in the worldsheet approach, and it is argued that the internal CFT describing a singular spin(7) has an enhanced ${\cal SW}({3\over 2},{3\over 2},2)$ algebra tensored with ${\cal N}=1$ linear dilaton CFT, much like singular Calabi-Yau CFTs have a ${\cal N}=2$ linear dilaton tensored with a suitable ${\cal N}=2$ SCFT. Upon adding fundamental strings, these vacua are related to $AdS_3$ vacua with ${\cal N}=1$ supersymmetry, completing the worldsheet classification of $AdS_3$ vacua with NS flux.
The worldsheet string theory dual to free 4d ${\cal N}=4$ super Yang-Mills theory was recently proposed in arXiv:2104.08263. It is described by a free field sigma model on the twistor space of ${\rm AdS}_5\times {\rm S}^5$, and is a direct generalisation of the corresponding model for tensionless string theory on ${\rm AdS}_3\times {\rm S}^3$. As in the case of ${\rm AdS}_3$, the worldsheet theory contains spectrally flowed representations. We proposed in arXiv:2104.08263 that in each such sector only a finite set of generalised zero modes (`wedge modes') are physical. Here we show that after …
We calculate the S-matrix in the gauge-fixed sigma-model on AdS_5 x S^5 to the leading order in perturbation theory, and analyze how supersymmetry is realized on the scattering states. A mild nonlocality of the supercharges implies that their action on multi-particle states does not follow the Leibniz rule, which is replaced by a nontrivial coproduct. The plane wave symmetry algebra is thus naturally enhanced to a Hopf algebra. The scattering matrix elements obey the classical Yang-Baxter equation modified by the existence of the coproduct. This structure mirrors that of the large 't Hooft cou…
Factorization of scattering is the hallmark of integrable 1+1 dimensional quantum field theories. For factorization of scattering to be possible the set of masses and momenta must be conserved in any two-to-two scattering process. We use this fact to constrain the form of the Ramond-Ramond fluxes for integrable supergravity anti-de Sitter backgrounds by analysing tree-level scattering of two AdS bosons into two fermions on the worldsheet of a BMN string. We find a condition which can be efficiently used to rule out integrability of AdS strings and therefore of the corresponding AdS/CFT dualiti…
We consider contributions to the heavy quark potential, in the AdS/CFT approach to SU(N) gauge theory, which arise from first order fluctuations of the associated worldsheet in anti-deSitter space. The gaussian fluctuations occur around a classical worldsheet configuration resembling an infinite square well, with the bottom of the well lying at the AdS horizon. The eigenvalues of the corresponding Laplacian operators can be shown numerically to be very close to those in flat space. We find that two of the transverse world sheet fields become massive, which may have implications for the existen…
We study bosonic string theory in the light-cone gauge on AdS_3 spacetime with zero radius of curvature (in string units) R/\sqrt{α^\prime}=0. We find that the worldsheet theory admits an infinite number of conserved quantities which are naturally interpreted as spacetime charges and which form a representation of (two commuting copies of) a Virasoro algebra. Near the boundary of AdS_3 these charges are found to be isomorphic to the infinite set of asymptotic Killing vectors of AdS_3 found originally by Brown and Henneaux. In addition to the spacetime Virasoro algebra, there is a worldsheet Vi…
We perform a detailed study of the type IIA superstring in AdS(4) x CP(3). After introducing suitable bosonic light-cone and fermionic kappa worldsheet gauges we derive the pure boson and fermion SU(2|2) x U(1) covariant light-cone Hamiltonian up to quartic order in fields. As a first application of our derivation we calculate energy shifts for string configurations in a closed fermionic subsector and successfully match these with a set of light-cone Bethe equations. We then turn to investigate the mismatch between the degrees of freedom of scattering states and oscillatory string modes. Since…
We discuss a marginal deformation of the SL(2,R) x SU(2) x U(1)^4 WZW model, which describes string theory on AdS_3 x S^3 x T^4, that corresponds to warping the S^3 factor. This deformation breaks part of the N=(4,4) supersymmetry of the undeformed dual CFT to N=(0,4) supersymmetry. In the spirit of work by Giveon, Kutasov, and Seiberg, we construct the asymptotic spacetime symmetry algebra from worldsheet operators and find a restoration of (4,4) supersymmetry at discrete values of the deformation parameter. We explain this result from various perspectives: the worldsheet, supergravity, and f…
We compute a large collection of string worldsheet correlators describing light probes interacting with heavy black hole microstates. The heavy states consist of NS5 branes carrying momentum and/or fundamental string charge. In the fivebrane decoupling limit, worldsheet string theory on a family of such backgrounds is given by exactly solvable null-gauged WZW models. We construct physical vertex operators in these cosets, including all massless fluctuations. We first compute a large class of novel heavy-light-light-heavy correlators in the AdS$_3$ limit, where the light operators include those…
Recently, a worldsheet dual to free ${\cal N}=4$ Super Yang-Mills has been proposed in terms of twistor variables for ${\rm AdS}_5$, in parallel to that for the ${\rm AdS}_3$ dual to the free symmetric orbifold CFT. In the latter case, holomorphic covering maps play a central role in determining correlators and are associated to Feynman diagrams. After recasting these maps in terms of the worldsheet twistor variables for ${\rm AdS}_3$, we generalise to ${\rm AdS}_5$. We propose stringy incidence relations and appropriate reality conditions for the twistor covering maps. For some special kinema…
Recently we proposed a universal solvable irrelevant deformation of $AdS_3/CFT_2$ duality, which leads in the ultraviolet to a theory with a Hagedorn entropy [1]. In this note we provide a worldsheet description of this theory as a coset CFT, and compare its spectrum to the field theory predictions of [2,3].
String theory on $AdS_3 \times S^3 \times T^4$ has 20 moduli. We investigate how the perturbative closed string spectrum changes as we move around this moduli space in both the RR and NSNS flux backgrounds. We find that, at weak string coupling, only four of the moduli affect the energies. In the RR background the only effect of these moduli is to change the radius of curvature of the background. On the other hand, in the NSNS background, the moduli introduce worldsheet interactions which enable the use of integrability methods to solve the spectral problem. Our results show that the worldshee…
We investigate the constraints of slow-roll inflation on the string worldsheet. A general gravity-matter set-up is used in which the worldsheet consists of an abstract CFT coupled to a 3+1 dimensional non-linear sigma model. The empirical slow-roll parameters are expressed in terms of the beta functions of operators in the matter/internal CFT and the beta function of the dilaton. The result confirms that inflation is only sensitive to macroscopic properties of the matter sector, and that in string theory inflation is a non-perturbative (in g_s) phenomenon and one must go beyond tree-level stri…
We study string theory on $\mathrm{AdS}_3$ backgrounds with mixed flux using the hybrid formalism of Berkovits, Vafa and Witten. We solve the worldsheet description of the theory completely in the plane-wave limit. This constitutes a direct derivation of the plane-wave spectrum from the worldsheet with mixed flux.
