On type 0 string theory in solvable RR backgrounds

Abstract

Motivated by a possibility of solving non-supersymmetric type 0 string theory in $AdS_5 \times S^5$ background using integrability, we revisit the construction of type 0 string spectrum in some solvable examples of backgrounds with RR fluxes that are common to type IIB and type 0B theories. The presence of RR fluxes requires the use of a Green-Schwarz description for type 0 string theory. Like in flat space, the spectrum of type 0 theory can be derived from the type II theory spectrum by a $(-1)^F$ orbifolding, i.e. combining the untwisted sector where GS fermions are periodic with the twisted sector where GS fermions are antiperiodic (and projecting out all spacetime fermionic states). This construction of the type 0 spectrum may also be implemented using a Melvin background that allows to continuously interpolate between the type II and type 0 theories. As an illustration, we discuss the type 0B spectrum in the pp-wave background which is the Penrose limit of $AdS_5 \times S^5$ with RR 5-form flux and also in the pp-wave background which is the Penrose limit of $AdS_3 \times S^3 \times T^4$ supported by mixed RR and NSNS 3-form fluxes. We show that increasing the strength of the RR flux increases the value of the effective normal ordering constant (which determines the mass of the type 0 tachyon) and thus effectively decreases the momentum-space domain of instability of the ground state. We also comment on the semiclassical sector of states of type 0B theory in $AdS_5 \times S^5$.