Vertex Algebras, Lie Algebras and Superstrings
Abstract
Certain vertex algebras and Lie algebras arising in superstring theory are investigated. We show that the Fock space of a compactified Neveu-Schwarz superstring, i.e. a Neveu-Schwarz superstring moving on a torus, carries the structure of a vertex superalgebra with a Neveu-Schwarz element. This implies that the physical states of such a string form a Lie algebra. The same is true for the GSO-projected states. The structure of these Lie algebras is investigated in detail. In particular there is a natural invariant form on them. In case that the torus has Lorentzian signature the quotient of these Lie algebras by the kernel of this form is a generalized Kac-Moody algebra. The roots can be easily described. If the dimension of space-time is smaller than or equal to 10 we can even determine their multiplicities.
- Publication:
-
arXiv e-prints
- Pub Date:
- February 1998
- DOI:
- 10.48550/arXiv.hep-th/9802058
- arXiv:
- arXiv:hep-th/9802058
- Bibcode:
- 1998hep.th....2058S
- Keywords:
-
- High Energy Physics - Theory