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arXiv · 1002.1120

String Theory and Water Waves

Ramakrishnan Iyer·Clifford V. Johnson·Jeffrey S. Pennington
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Abstract

We uncover a remarkable role that an infinite hierarchy of non-linear differential equations plays in organizing and connecting certain {hat c}<1 string theories non-perturbatively. We are able to embed the type 0A and 0B (A,A) minimal string theories into this single framework. The string theories arise as special limits of a rich system of equations underpinned by an integrable system known as the dispersive water wave hierarchy. We observe that there are several other string-like limits of the system, and conjecture that some of them are type IIA and IIB (A,D) minimal string backgrounds. We explain how these and several string-like special points arise and are connected. In some cases, the framework endows the theories with a non-perturbative definition for the first time. Notably, we discover that the Painleve IV equation plays a key role in organizing the string theory physics, joining its siblings, Painleve I and II, whose roles have previously been identified in this minimal string context.

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Ramakrishnan Iyer, Clifford V. Johnson, Jeffrey S. Pennington. 2010-02-05. String Theory and Water Waves. https://doi.org/10.1088/1751-8113/44/1/015403

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