The String Theory Approach to Generalized 2D Yang-Mills Theory
Abstract
We calculate the partition function of the SU(N) ( and U(N)) generalized YM2 theory defined on an arbitrary Riemann surface. The result which is expressed as a sum over irreducible representations generalizes the Rusakov formula for ordinary YM2 theory. A diagrammatic expansion of the formula enables us to derive a Gross-Taylor like stringy description of the model. A sum of 2D string maps is shown to reproduce the gauge theory results. Maps with branch points of degree higher than one, as well as ``microscopic surfaces'' play an important role in the sum. We discuss the underlying string theory.
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