Non-critical string theory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:10, 16 December 2006

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== Two-dimensional String Theory ==

Perhaps the most studied example of non-critical string theory is that with two-dimensional target space. While clearly not of phenomenological interest, string theories in two- dimensions serve as important toy models. They allow one to probe interesting concepts which would be computationally intractable in a more realistic scenario. Additionally, these models often have fully non-perturbative descriptions in the form of the quantum mechanics of large matrices.

These models often have fully non-perturbative descriptions in the form of the quantum mechanics of large matrices. Such a description known as the c=1 matrix model captures the dynamics of [[bosonic string theory]] in two dimensions. Of much recent interest are matrix models of the two-dimensional [[Type 0 string theory|Type 0 string theories]]. These "matrix models" are understood as describing the dynamics of [[open string]]s lying on [[D-branes]] in these theories. Degrees of freedom associated with [[closed string]]s, and [[spacetime]] itself, appear as emergent phenomena, providing an important example of open string [[tachyon condensation]] in string theory.

== References ==