arXiv subjects

JM Figueroa-O'Farrill

Publications and source records attributed to JM Figueroa-O'Farrill.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv1995

Nonreductive WZW models and their CFTs

We study two-dimensional WZW models with target space a nonreductive Lie group. Such models exist whenever the Lie group possesses a bi-invariant metric. We show that such WZW models provide a lagrangian description of the nonreductive (affine) Sugawara construction. We investigate the gauged WZW models and we prove that gauging a diagonal subgroup results in a conformal field theory which can be identified with a coset construction. A large class of exact four-dimensional string backgrounds arise in this fashion. We then study the topological conformal field theory resulting from the $G/G$ coset. We identify the Kazama algebra extending the BRST algebra, and the BV algebra structure in BRST cohomology which it induces.

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

On the structure of symmetric self-dual Lie algebras

A finite-dimensional Lie algebra is called (symmetric) self-dual, if it possesses an invariant nondegenerate (symmetric) bilinear form. Symmetric self-dual Lie algebras have been studied by Medina and Revoy, who have proven a very useful theorem about their structure. In this paper we prove a refinement of their theorem which has wide applicability in Conformal Field Theory, where symmetric self-dual Lie algebras start to play an important role due to the fact that they are precisely the Lie algebras which admit a Sugawara construction. We also prove a few corollaries which are important in Conformal Field Theory. (This paper provides mathematical details of results used, but only sketched, in the companion paper hep-th/9506151.)

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

Lie-Poisson groups and the Miura transformation

We point out that the recent proof of the Kupershmidt-Wilson theorem by Cheng and Mas-Ramos is underpinned by the Lie-Poisson property of the second Gel'fand-Dickey bracket. The supersymmetric Kupershmidt-Wilson theorem is also proved along these same lines. Finally we comment on the possible repercussions in the problem of the coproduct for W-algebras.

q-alg↗

arXiv1994

Generalized $\W_3$ Strings from Free Fields

The conventional quantization of w_3 strings gives theories which are equivalent to special cases of bosonic strings. We explore whether a more general quantization can lead to new generalized W_3 string theories by seeking to construct quantum BRST charges directly without requiring the existence of a quantum W_3 algebra. We study W_3-like strings with a direct spacetime interpretation---that is, with matter given by explicit free field realizations. Special emphasis is placed on the attempt to construct a quantum W-string associated with the magic realizations of the classical w_3 algebra. We give the general conditions for the existence of W_3-like strings, and comment how the known results fit into our general construction. Our results are negative: we find no new consistent string theories, and in particular rule out the possibility of critical strings based on the magic realizations.

hep-th↗