The BRST formulation of G/H WZNW models

Abstract

We consider a BRST approach to G/H coset WZNW models, {\it i.e.} a formulation in which the coset is defined by a BRST condition. We will give the precise ingrediences needed for this formulation. Then we will prove the equivalence of this approach to the conventional coset formulation by solving the the BRST cohomology. This will reveal a remarkable connection between integrable representations and a class of non-integrable representations for negative levels. The latter representations are also connected to string theories based on non-compact WZNW models. The partition functions of G/H cosets are also considered. The BRST approach enables a covariant construction of these, which does not rely on the decomposition of G as $G/H\times H$. We show that for the well-studied examples of $SU(2)_k \times SU(2)_1/SU(2)_{k+1}$ and $SU(2)_k/U(1)$, we exactly reproduce the previously known results.