Exact string backgrounds from WZW models based on non-semi-simple groups

Abstract

We formulate WZW models based on a centrally extended version of the Euclidean group in $d$-dimensions. We obtain string backgrounds corresponding to conformal $\s$-models in $D=d^2$ space-time dimensions with exact central charge $c=d^2$ and $d(d-1)/2$ null Killing vectors. By identifying the corresponding conformal field theory we show that the one loop results coincide with the exact ones up to a shifting of a parameter.