Bosonic String Amplitudes From Ribbon Graphs

Abstract

We develop a method for numerically computing higher genus CFT correlators and string amplitudes based on Kontsevich's ribbon graph parametrization of the moduli space $\mathcal{M}_{g,n}$ of punctured Riemann surfaces. Using this method, we compute the compact boson partition function up to genus 6 as well as the moduli space integrand for bosonic string vacuum amplitudes up to genus 3. Our results pass a number of nontrivial numerical checks. In particular, the moduli space integrand of bosonic string amplitudes reproduce the Igusa cusp forms at genera 2 and 3.