Search arXiv⌕ Search
Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · 2605.20324

Closed String Field Theory in 25.99 Dimensions

Amr Ahmadain·Alexander Frenkel·Xi Yin
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

We return to and refine Zwiebach's formulation of closed string field theory (CSFT) built around non-critical backgrounds [1,2], restricting our attention to genus zero. The structure involves a special string state $F$ that encodes the failure of worldsheet BRST invariance, and a metric-dependent descent operator $\mathcal{B}$ adapted to the Weyl frame. We construct the mixed moduli spaces needed for the classical BV action, prove their existence, and extend the Sen-Zwiebach background independence argument to first order off of the conformal locus. We apply the formalism to the mildest deviation away from criticality - worldsheet CFTs with nonzero central charge: we consider both D=26-$ε$ dimensional flat space and linear dilaton profiles in bosonic string theory, focusing for simplicity on building solutions that depend on only one of the D dimensions.

Explore related subjects

hep-th

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Amr Ahmadain, Alexander Frenkel, Xi Yin. 2026-05-21. Closed String Field Theory in 25.99 Dimensions. https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.20324

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2026

Introduction to Generalized Symmetries

These notes were prepared for a series of intensive lectures delivered at Hokkaido University, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, and Kyushu University. We begin with a brief review of higher-form symmetries, anomalies, and discrete gauge theories, before introducing non-invertible symmetries in $(1+1)$-dimensional systems. The basic structure of fusion categories is then discussed, including a discussion of categorical analogs of discrete gauging and representation theory. We subsequently turn to $(3+1)$-dimensional theories, where several physical applications of non-invertible symmetries are discussed. These notes are intended to be largely self-contained, and require no prior familiarity with subjects such as conformal field theory or lattice models.

hep-th↗
arXiv2026

Planar loop integrands from cuts in $D$ dimensions

We present a direct reconstruction formula for planar loop integrands from $D$-dimensional generalized unitarity cuts in any colored theory. The reconstruction combinatorics is separated from the theory-dependent tree amplitudes entering the cuts: for the $L$-loop $n$-point color-ordered amplitude, the integrand is expressed as a sum over admissible non-scaleless scalar graphs dressed by corresponding cuts in $D$ dimensions; the coefficients are given by the universal Möbius-inversion formula of the refinement poset, or equivalently one minus the Euler characteristics of associated complexes. As an application we write down closed-formulas for loop integrands in pure Yang--Mills theory, where the required cuts are generated by gluing $D$-dimensional tree amplitudes and summing over internal gluon states. We also use the two-loop five-point case as a validation, comparing with known integrand data and after integration-by-parts reduction, with known integrated helicity amplitudes. The same framework also produces compact cut-organized data for larger examples, including the two-loop six-point and three-loop four-point cases. We also describe the corresponding simplification in maximally supersymmetric Yang--Mills theory, where the absence of bubble and triangle subgraphs reduces the relevant cut poset substantially.

hep-th↗
arXiv2026

Free Field Realization of $\mathcal{W}$-Algebra Associated with Exceptional Lie Algebras

We study the free field realization of the $\mathcal{W}$-algebra associated with the exceptional Lie algebras $E_6$, $E_7$, $E_8$, and $F_4$. We develop a recursive construction in which a $\mathcal{W}$-algebra of rank $r$ is obtained from a $\mathcal{W}$-algebra of rank $r-1$ together with a free boson. The $\mathcal{W}$-currents are constructed from the zero commutation relation with the screening charges. The $\mathcal{W}E_6/\mathcal{W}E_7$ algebra is constructed from the $\mathcal{W}D_5/\mathcal{W}D_6$ algebra and is shown to be the same as that realized from the $\mathcal{W}A_5/\mathcal{W}E_6$ algebra, up to a change of the free field basis. The spin-$8$ generator of the $\mathcal{W}E_8$ algebra is built from the $\mathcal{W}D_7$ algebra. The recursive construction of the $\mathcal{W}BC_r$ algebras is also studied. We then realize the $\mathcal{W}F_4$ algebra based on the $\mathcal{W}BC_3$ algebra. Furthermore, the $\mathcal{W}$-charges of the generators of the $\mathcal{W}E_{6,7}$, $\mathcal{W}BC_{2,3}$, and $\mathcal{W}F_4$ algebras are calculated and expressed in terms of the Casimir invariants.

hep-th↗