arXiv subjects

Domenico Orlando

Publications and source records attributed to Domenico Orlando.

81 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2008

Corfu 05 lectures - part I: Strings on curved backgrounds

In these introductory lectures we summarize some basic facts and techniques about perturbative string theory (sections 1 to 6). These are further developed (sections 7 and 8) for describing string propagation in the presence of gravitational or gauge fields. We also remind some solutions of the string equations of motion, which correspond to remarkable (NS or D) brane configurations. A part II by Emilian Dudas will be devoted to orientifold constructions and applications to string model building.

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arXiv2007

M-theory compactifications on hyperbolic spaces

Negatively-curved, maximally symmetric hyperbolic spaces enjoy a number of remarkable properties that can be traced back to Riemannian geometry, group theory and algebraic geometry. In this note we recall some such properties and find $H_n$ as M-theory solutions.

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arXiv2007

Axion-dilaton cosmology, Ricci flows and integrable structures

In this work we study renormalization-group flows by deforming a class of conformal sigma-models. At leading order in $α'$, renormalization-group equations represent a Ricci flow. In the three-sphere background, the latter is described by the Halphen system, which is exactly solvable in terms of modular forms. The round sphere is found to be the unique perturbative infra-red fixed point at one loop order.

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arXiv2006

String Theory: exact solutions, marginal deformations and hyperbolic spaces

This thesis is almost entirely devoted to studying string theory backgrounds characterized by simple geometrical and integrability properties. The archetype of this type of system is given by Wess-Zumino-Witten models, describing string propagation in a group manifold or, equivalently, a class of conformal field theories with current algebras. We study the moduli space of such models by using truly marginal deformations. Particular emphasis is placed on asymmetric deformations that, together with the CFT description, enjoy a very nice spacetime interpretation in terms of the underlying Lie algebra. Then we take a slight detour so to deal with off-shell systems. Using a renormalization-group approach we describe the relaxation towards the symmetrical equilibrium situation. In he final chapter we consider backgrounds with Ramond-Ramond field and in particular we analyze direct products of constant-curvature spaces and find solutions with hyperbolic spaces.

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arXiv2005

Coset models and D-branes in group manifolds

We conjecture the existence of a duality between heterotic closed strings on homogeneous spaces and symmetry-preserving D-branes on group manifolds, based on the observation about the coincidence of the low-energy field description for the two theories. For the closed string side we also give an explicit proof of a no-renormalization theorem as a consequence of a hidden symmetry and infer that the same property should hold true for the higher order terms of the DBI action.

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arXiv2005

Three-dimensional black holes from deformed anti-de Sitter

We present new exact three-dimensional black-string backgrounds, which contain both NS--NS and electromagnetic fields, and generalize the BTZ black holes and the black string studied by Horne and Horowitz. They are obtained as deformations of the Sl(2,R) WZW model. Black holes resulting from purely continuous deformations possess true curvature singularities. When discrete identifications are introduced, extra chronological singularities appear, which under certain circumstances turn out to be naked. The backgrounds at hand appear in the moduli space of the Sl(2,R) WZW model. Hence, they provide exact string backgrounds and allow for a more algebraical CFT description. This makes possible the determination of the spectrum of primaries.

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arXiv2005

AdS2xS2 as an exact heterotic string background

An exact heterotic string theory on an AdS2xS2 background supported by an electromagnetic flux is found as a marginal deformation of an SL(2,R)xSU(2) WZW model. Based on a talk given at NATO Advanced Study Institute and EC Summer School on String Theory: from Gauge Interactions to Cosmology, Cargese, Corsica, France, 7 Jun - 19 Jun 2004.

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arXiv2005

Electric/Magnetic Deformations of S^3 and AdS_3, and Geometric Cosets

We analyze asymmetric marginal deformations of SU(2)_k and SL(2,R)_k WZW models. These appear in heterotic string backgrounds with non-vanishing Neveu--Schwarz three-forms plus electric or magnetic fields, depending on whether the deformation is elliptic, hyperbolic or parabolic. Asymmetric deformations create new families of exact string vacua. The geometries which are generated in this way, deformed S^3 or AdS_3, include in particular geometric cosets such as S^2, AdS_2 or H_2. Hence, the latter are consistent, exact conformal sigma models, with electric or magnetic backgrounds. We discuss various geometric and symmetry properties of the deformations at hand as well as their spectra and partition functions, with special attention to the supersymmetric AdS_2 x S^2 background. We also comment on potential holographic applications.

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arXiv2004

Heterotic strings on homogeneous spaces

We construct heterotic string backgrounds corresponding to families of homogeneous spaces as exact conformal field theories. They contain left cosets of compact groups by their maximal tori supported by NS-NS 2-forms and gauge field fluxes. We give the general formalism and modular-invariant partition functions, then we consider some examples such as SU(2)/U(1) ~ S^2 (already described in a previous paper) and the SU(3)/U(1)^2 flag space. As an application we construct new supersymmetric string vacua with magnetic fluxes and a linear dilaton.

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