Modular Invariance and the Finiteness of Superstring Theory

Abstract

The genus-dependence of multi-loop superstring amplitudes is bounded at large orders in perturbation theory using the super-Schottky group parametrization of supermoduli space. Partial estimates of supermoduli space integrals suggest an exponential dependence on the genus when the integration region is restricted to a single fundamental domain of the super-modular group in the super-Schottky parameter space. Bounds for N-point superstring scattering amplitudes are obtained for arbitrary N and are shown to be consistent with exact results recently obtained for special type II string amplitudes for orbifold or Calabi-Yau compactifications. It is suggested that the generic estimates, which imply the validity of superstring perturbation theory in the weak-coupling limit, might be used to determine scattering amplitudes at strong coupling because of the S-duality of type II and heterotic string theories. Non-perturbative effects are consistent with these estimates, based on a sum over closed surfaces, because they can be derived from an additional contribution to the sum over surfaces corresponding to the insertion of Dirichlet boundaries.