Space-Time and Topological Orbifolds

Edward Witten
Phys. Rev. Lett. 61, 670 – Published 8 August 1988
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Abstract

I consider string propagation in a certain complexified version of space-time, in an attempt to gain some intuition about a possible unbroken phase of string theory. Topological σ models (related to Floer and Gromov theory) correspond from this point of view to the consideration of only strings with a selfdual pattern of momenta and windings. I also observe an amusing generalization of the high-energy saddle point studied by Gross and Mende; this generalization involves complex space-time and separate Riemann surface moduli for left-moving and right-moving modes.

  • Received 6 July 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.61.670

©1988 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Edward Witten*

  • School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey 08540

  • *On leave from Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544.

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Vol. 61, Iss. 6 — 8 August 1988

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