Strings and Rings.
Abstract
This thesis focuses on two interesting classes of two dimensional quantum field theories, the rational conformal theories and the N = 2 supersymmetric theories. Both types of theories have ring structures which encode a surprising amount of exact information; for rational conformal field theories the ring is the fusion ring whereas for N = 2 supersymmetric theories it is the chiral ring. This thesis is largely devoted to characterizing and exploiting these ring structures. The results are relevant for the classification of conformal theories, the construction of string vacua, and gaining nonperturbative insight into quantum field theory and string theory.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992PhDT........11I
- Keywords:
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- Physics: Elementary Particles and High Energy