Level Truncation Approach to Open String Field Theory

Abstract

Given a D-brane background in string theory (or equivalently boundary conditions in a two-dimensional conformal field theory), classical solutions of open string field theory equations of motion are conjectured to describe new D-brane backgrounds (boundary conditions). In this thesis, we study these solutions in bosonic open string field theory using the level truncation approach, which is a numerical approach where the string field is truncated to a finite number of degrees of freedom. We start with a review of the theoretical background and numerical methods which are needed in the level truncation approach and then we discuss solutions on several different backgrounds. First, we discuss universal solutions, which do not depend on the open string background, then we analyze solutions of the free boson theory compactified on a circle or on a torus, then marginal solutions in three different approaches and finally solutions in theories which include the A-series of Virasoro minimal models. In addition to known D-branes, we find so-called exotic solutions which potentially describe yet unknown boundary states. This paper is based on my doctoral thesis submitted to the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University in Prague.