Field Redefinitions in String Theory as a Solution Generating Technique

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to show that there exists an additional invariance of the $\beta$-function equations of string theory on $d+1$-dimensional targets with $d$ toroidal isometries. It corresponds to a shift of the dilaton field and a scaling of the lapse function, and is reminiscent of string field redefinitions. While it preserves the form of the $\beta$-function equations, it changes the effective action and the solutions. Thus it can be used as a solution generating technique. It is particularly interesting to note that there are field redefinitions which map solutions with non-zero string cosmological constant to those with zero cosmological constant. Several simple examples involving two- and three-dimensional black holes and black strings are provided to illustrate the role of such field redefinitions.