Three Dimensional Black Holes and Four Dimensional Black Strings as Nonlinear Sigma Models

Abstract

Two solutions of stringy gravity in three and four dimensions which admit interpretation as a black hole and a black string, respectively, are discussed. It is demonstrated that they are exact WZWN nonlinear sigma models to all orders in the inverse string tension, and hence represent exact conformal field theories on the world-sheet. Furthermore, since the dilaton for these two solutions is constant, they also solve the equations of motion of standard GR with a minimally coupled three form field strength. (Based on a talk presented at the Conference on Quantum Aspects of Black Holes, U. of California, Santa Barbara CA June 21-27 '93, and a poster presented at 5th Canadian Conference on General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysics, Waterloo, Ont., May 13-15, 1993.)