Abstract
Possible ways of constructing extended fermionic strings with N=4 world-sheet supersymmetry are reviewed. String theory constraints form, in general, a non-linear quasi(super)conformal algebra, and can have conformal dimensions {>=}1. When N=4, the most general N=4 quasi-superconformal algebra to consider for string theory building is D(1, 2; {alpha}), whose linearisation is the so-called ``large`` N=4 superconformal algebra. The D(1, 2; {alpha}) algebra has su(2)sub({kappa}{sup +})+su(2)sub({kappa}{sup -})+u(1) Kac-Moody component, and {alpha}={kappa}{sup -}/{kappa}{sup +}. We check the Jacobi identities and construct a BRST charge for the D(1, 2; {alpha}) algebra. The quantum BRST operator can be made nilpotent only when {kappa}{sup +}={kappa}{sup -}=-2. The D(1, 2; 1) algebra is actually isomorphic to the SO(4)-based Bershadsky-Knizhnik non-linear quasi-superconformal algebra. We argue about the existence of a string theory associated with the latter, and propose the (non-covariant) hamiltonian action for this new N=4 string theory. Our results imply the existence of two different N=4 fermionic string theories: the old one based on the ``small`` linear N=4 superconformal algebra and having the total ghost central charge c{sub gh}=+12, and the new one with non-linearly realised N=4 supersymmetry, based on the SO(4) quasi-superconformal algebra and having c{sub gh}=+6. Both critical string theories have negative ``critical dimensions`` and
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Ketov, S V
[1]
- Hannover Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Theoretische Physik
Citation Formats
Ketov, S V.
How many N = 4 strings exist?.
Germany: N. p.,
1994.
Web.
Ketov, S V.
How many N = 4 strings exist?.
Germany.
Ketov, S V.
1994.
"How many N = 4 strings exist?"
Germany.
@misc{etde_10121408,
title = {How many N = 4 strings exist?}
author = {Ketov, S V}
abstractNote = {Possible ways of constructing extended fermionic strings with N=4 world-sheet supersymmetry are reviewed. String theory constraints form, in general, a non-linear quasi(super)conformal algebra, and can have conformal dimensions {>=}1. When N=4, the most general N=4 quasi-superconformal algebra to consider for string theory building is D(1, 2; {alpha}), whose linearisation is the so-called ``large`` N=4 superconformal algebra. The D(1, 2; {alpha}) algebra has su(2)sub({kappa}{sup +})+su(2)sub({kappa}{sup -})+u(1) Kac-Moody component, and {alpha}={kappa}{sup -}/{kappa}{sup +}. We check the Jacobi identities and construct a BRST charge for the D(1, 2; {alpha}) algebra. The quantum BRST operator can be made nilpotent only when {kappa}{sup +}={kappa}{sup -}=-2. The D(1, 2; 1) algebra is actually isomorphic to the SO(4)-based Bershadsky-Knizhnik non-linear quasi-superconformal algebra. We argue about the existence of a string theory associated with the latter, and propose the (non-covariant) hamiltonian action for this new N=4 string theory. Our results imply the existence of two different N=4 fermionic string theories: the old one based on the ``small`` linear N=4 superconformal algebra and having the total ghost central charge c{sub gh}=+12, and the new one with non-linearly realised N=4 supersymmetry, based on the SO(4) quasi-superconformal algebra and having c{sub gh}=+6. Both critical string theories have negative ``critical dimensions`` and do not admit unitary matter representations. (orig.)}
place = {Germany}
year = {1994}
month = {Sep}
}
title = {How many N = 4 strings exist?}
author = {Ketov, S V}
abstractNote = {Possible ways of constructing extended fermionic strings with N=4 world-sheet supersymmetry are reviewed. String theory constraints form, in general, a non-linear quasi(super)conformal algebra, and can have conformal dimensions {>=}1. When N=4, the most general N=4 quasi-superconformal algebra to consider for string theory building is D(1, 2; {alpha}), whose linearisation is the so-called ``large`` N=4 superconformal algebra. The D(1, 2; {alpha}) algebra has su(2)sub({kappa}{sup +})+su(2)sub({kappa}{sup -})+u(1) Kac-Moody component, and {alpha}={kappa}{sup -}/{kappa}{sup +}. We check the Jacobi identities and construct a BRST charge for the D(1, 2; {alpha}) algebra. The quantum BRST operator can be made nilpotent only when {kappa}{sup +}={kappa}{sup -}=-2. The D(1, 2; 1) algebra is actually isomorphic to the SO(4)-based Bershadsky-Knizhnik non-linear quasi-superconformal algebra. We argue about the existence of a string theory associated with the latter, and propose the (non-covariant) hamiltonian action for this new N=4 string theory. Our results imply the existence of two different N=4 fermionic string theories: the old one based on the ``small`` linear N=4 superconformal algebra and having the total ghost central charge c{sub gh}=+12, and the new one with non-linearly realised N=4 supersymmetry, based on the SO(4) quasi-superconformal algebra and having c{sub gh}=+6. Both critical string theories have negative ``critical dimensions`` and do not admit unitary matter representations. (orig.)}
place = {Germany}
year = {1994}
month = {Sep}
}