Loop Variables and Gauge Invariant Interactions of Massive Modes in String Theory

Abstract

The loop variable approach used earlier to obtain free equations of motion for the massive modes of the open string, is generalized to include interaction terms. These terms, which are polynomial, involve only modes of strictly lower mass. Considerations based on operator product expansions suggest that these equations are particular truncations of the full string equations. The method involves broadening the loop to a band of finite thickness that describes all the different interacting strings. Interestingly, in terms of these variables, the theory appears non-interacting.