Mesons From String Theory

Abstract

A brief historical synopsis of the connection between gauge theories and string theory is given. Meson configurations known as k-strings are examined from string theory via the gauge/gravity correspondence. Backgrounds dual to k-strings in both 2+1 and 3+1 are discussed. The energy of k-strings to lowest order consists of a tension term, proportional to the length, L, of the k-string, i.e., the size of the mesons in the configuration. The first quantum correction is a Coulombic 1/L correction, known as a Luscher term, plus a constant. Acquiring tensions and Luscher terms via the gauge/gravity correspondence is discussed.