Conformal Invariance of Interacting WZNW Models

Abstract

We consider two level $k$ WZNW models coupled to each other through a generalized Thirring-like current-current interaction. It is shown that in the large $k$ limit, this interacting system can be presented as a two-parameter perturbation around a nonunitary WZNW model. The perturbation operators are the sigma model kinetic terms with metric related to the Thirring coupling constants. The renormalizability of the perturbed model leads to an algebraic equation for couplings. This equation coincides with the master Virasoro equation. We find that the beta functions of the two-parameter perturbation have nontrivial zeros depending on the Thirring coupling constants. Thus we exhibit that solutions to the master equation provide nontrivial conformal points to the system of two interacting WZNW models.