arXiv papers from December 1991

C. Itzykson, J. -B. Zuber

We study algebraic aspects of Kontsevich integrals as generating functions for intersection theory over moduli space and review the derivation of Virasoro and KdV constraints. 1. Intersection numbers 2. The Kontsevich integral 2.1. The main theorem 2.2 Expansion of Z on characters and Schur functions 2.3 Proof of the first part of the Theorem 3. From Grassma

C. N. Pope

We give a review of the extended conformal algebras, known as $W$ algebras, which contain currents of spins higher than 2 in addition to the energy-momentum tensor. These include the non-linear $W_N$ algebras; the linear $W_\infty$ and $W_{1+\infty}$ algebras; and their super-extensions. We discuss their applications to the construction of $W$-gravity and $W

Richard Haydon, Edward Odell, Haskell P. Rosenthal

Certain subclasses of $B_1(K)$, the Baire-1 functions on a compact metric space $K$, are defined and characterized. Some applications to Banach spaces are given.

V. Spiridonov

A set of exactly solvable one-dimensional quantum mechanical potentials is described. It is defined by a finite-difference-differential equation generating in the limiting cases the Rosen-Morse, harmonic, and P\"oschl-Teller potentials. General solution includes Shabat's infinite number soliton system and leads to raising and lowering operators satisfying $q

F. Fucito, A. Gamba, M. Martellini, O. Ragnisco

We apply non-linear WKB analysis to the study of the string equation. Even though the solutions obtained with this method are not exact, they approximate extremely well the true solutions, as we explicitly show using numerical simulations. ``Physical'' solutions are seen to be separatrices corresponding to degenerate Riemann surfaces. We obtain an analytic a

Toshiya Kawai, Taku Uchino, Sun-Kil Yang

The $N=2$ minimal superconformal model can be twisted yielding an example of topological conformal field theory. In this article we investigate a Lie theoretic extension of this process.

S. Kalyana Rama, Siddhartha Sen

We show how the Turaev--Viro invariant can be understood within the framework of Chern--Simons theory with gauge group SU(2). We also describe a new invariant for certain class of graphs by interpreting the triangulation of a manifold as a graph consisiting of crossings and vertices with three lines. We further show, for $S^3$ and $RP^3$, that the Turaev-Vir

Hirosi Ooguri

We define a physical Hilbert space for the three-dimensional lattice gravity of Ponzano and Regge and establish its isomorphism to the ones in the $ISO(3)$ Chern-Simons theory. It is shown that, for a handlebody of any genus, a Hartle-Hawking-type wave-function of the lattice gravity transforms into the corresponding state in the Chern-Simons theory under th

Amit Giveon, Martin Rocek

The elements of $O(d,d,\Z)$ are shown to be discrete symmetries of the space of curved string backgrounds that are independent of $d$ coordinates. The explicit action of the symmetries on the backgrounds is described. Particular attention is paid to the dilaton transformation. Such symmetries identify different cosmological solutions and other (possibly) sin

David J. Gross, Michael J. Newman

We give a simple derivation of the Virasoro constraints in the Kontsevich model, first derived by Witten. We generalize the method to a model of unitary matrices, for which we find a new set of Virasoro constraints. Finally we discuss the solution for symmetric matrices in an external field.

L. Feher, L. O'raifeartaigh, P. Ruelle, I. Tsutsui

The structure of Hamiltonian reductions of the Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten (WZNW) theory by first class Kac-Moody constraints is analyzed in detail. Lie algebraic conditions are given for ensuring the presence of exact integrability, conformal invariance and $\cal W$-symmetry in the reduced theories. A Lagrangean, gauged WZNW implementation of the reduction i

Konstantinos N. Anagnostopoulos, Mark J. Bowick, Albert Schwarz

The space of all solutions to the string equation of the symmetric unitary one-matrix model is determined. It is shown that the string equation is equivalent to simple conditions on points $V_1$ and $V_2$ in the big cell $\Gr$ of the Sato Grassmannian $Gr$. This is a consequence of a well-defined continuum limit in which the string equation has the simple fo

Fay Dowker, Ruth Gregory, Jennie Traschen

We argue the existence of solutions of the Euclidean Einstein equations that correspond to a vortex sitting at the horizon of a black hole. We find the asymptotic behaviours, at the horizon and at infinity, of vortex solutions for the gauge and scalar fields in an abelian Higgs model on a Euclidean Schwarzschild background and interpolate between them by int

M Blau, G Thompson

We rederive the recently introduced $N=2$ topological gauge theories, representing the Euler characteristic of moduli spaces ${\cal M}$ of connections, from supersymmetric quantum mechanics on the infinite dimensional spaces ${\cal A}/{\cal G}$ of gauge orbits. To that end we discuss variants of ordinary supersymmetric quantum mechanics which have meaningful

P. Di Francesco, P. Mathieu, D. Senechal

We present a simple a direct proof of the complete integrability of the quantum KdV equation at $c=-2$, with an explicit description of all the conservation laws.

J. Ellis, N. Mavromatos, D. Nanopoulos

In previous papers we have shown how strings in a two-dimensional target space reconcile quantum mechanics with general relativity, thanks to an infinite set of conserved quantum numbers, ``W-hair'', associated with topological soliton-like states. In this paper we extend these arguments to four dimensions, by considering explicitly the case of string black

Ulf H. Danielsson

We use the W-infinity symmetry of c=1 quantum gravity to compute matrix model special state correlation functions. The results are compared, and found to agree, with expectations from the Liouville model.

Jan de Boer, Jacob Goeree

Starting with three dimensional Chern--Simons theory with gauge group $Sl(N,R)$, we derive an action $S_{cov}$ invariant under both left and right $W_N$ transformations. We give an interpretation of $S_{cov}$ in terms of anomalies, and discuss its relation with Toda theory.

Changrim Ahn, Kazuyasu Shigemoto

We derive one-point functions of the loop operators of Hermitian matrix-chain models at finite $N$ in terms of differential operators acting on the partition functions. The differential operators are completely determined by recursion relations from the Schwinger-Dyson equations. Interesting observation is that these generating operators of the one-point fun

Yu. Makeenko

In the first part of the talk, I review the applications of loop equations to the matrix models and to 2-dimensional quantum gravity which is defined as their continuum limit. The results concerning multi-loop correlators for low genera and the Virasoro invariance are discussed. The second part is devoted to the Kontsevich matrix model which is equivalent to

Edward Witten

These notes are devoted to explaining aspects of the mirror manifold problem that can be naturally understood from the point of view of topological field theory. Basically this involves studying the topological field theories made by twisting $N=2$ sigma models. This is mainly a review of old results, except for the discussion in \S7 of certain facts that ma

Sumit R. Das, Avinash Dhar, Gautam Mandal, Spenta R. Wadia

We explore consequences of $W$-infinity symmetry in the fermionic field theory of the $c=1$ matrix model. We derive exact Ward identities relating correlation functions of the bilocal operator. These identities can be expressed as equations satisfied by the effective action of a {\it three} dimensional theory and contain non-perturbative information about th

John March-Russell, John Preskill, Frank Wilczek

It is shown that the breakdown of a {\it global} symmetry group to a discrete subgroup can lead to analogues of the Aharonov-Bohm effect. At sufficiently low momentum, the cross-section for scattering of a particle with nontrivial $\Z_2$ charge off a global vortex is almost equal to (but definitely different from) maximal Aharonov-Bohm scattering; the effect

Generalized Integrable Lattice Systems

We generalize Toda--like integrable lattice systems to non--symmetric case. We show that they possess the bi--Hamiltonian structure.

J. M. F. Labastida, P. M. Llatas

Topological quantum field theories containing matter fields are constructed by twisting $N=2$ supersymmetric quantum field theories. It is shown that $N=2$ chiral (antichiral) multiplets lead to topological sigma models while $N=2$ twisted chiral (twisted antichiral) multiplets lead to Landau-Ginzburg type topological quantum field theories. In addition, top

Luis E. Ibanez

I discuss several aspects of strings as unified theories. After recalling the difficulties of the simplest supersymmetric grand unification schemes I emphasize the distinct features of string unification. An important role in constraining the effective low energy physics from strings is played by $duality$ symmetries. The discussed topics include the unifica

M. Bellon, J-M. Maillard, C. Viallet

We show that the Yang-Baxter equations for two dimensional models admit as a group of symmetry the infinite discrete group $A_2^{(1)}$. The existence of this symmetry explains the presence of a spectral parameter in the solutions of the equations. We show that similarly, for three-dimensional vertex models and the associated tetrahedron equations, there also

A. M. Semikhatov

We attempt a direct derivation of a conformal field theory description of 2D quantum gravity~+~matter from the formalism of integrable hierarchies subjected to Virasoro constraints. The construction is based on a generalization of the Kontsevich parametrization of the KP times by introducing Miwa parameters into it. The resulting Kontsevich--Miwa transform c

Sergio Ferrara, Jan Louis

We show that in special K\"ahler geometry of $N=2$ space-time supergravity the gauge variant part of the connection is holomorphic and flat (in a Riemannian sense). A set of differential identities (Picard-Fuchs identities) are satisfied on a holomorphic bundle. The relationship with the differential equations obeyed by the periods of the holomorphic three f

J. Zinn-Justin

$O(N)$ invariant vector models have been shown to possess non-trivial scaling large $N$ limits, at least perturbatively within the loop expansion, a property they share with matrix models of 2D quantum gravity. In contrast with matrix models, however, vector models can be solved in arbitrary dimensions. We present here the analysis of field theory vector mod

M. Kreuzer, R. Schimmrigk, H. Skarke

We construct a class of Heterotic String vacua described by Landau--Ginzburg theories and consider orbifolds of these models with respect to abelian symmetries. For LG--vacua described by potentials in which at most three scaling fields are coupled we explicitly construct the chiral ring and discuss its diagonalization with respect to its most general abelia

Kanehisa Takasaki, Takashi Takebe

An analogue of the KP hierarchy, the SDiff(2) KP hierarchy, related to the group of area-preserving diffeomorphisms on a cylinder is proposed. An improved Lax formalism of the KP hierarchy is shown to give a prototype of this new hierarchy. Two important potentials, $S$ and $\tau$, are introduced. The latter is a counterpart of the tau function of the ordina

Olaf Lechtenfeld

We reformulate the zero-dimensional hermitean one-matrix model as a (nonlocal) collective field theory, for finite~$N$. The Jacobian arising by changing variables from matrix eigenvalues to their density distribution is treated {\it exactly\/}. The semiclassical loop expansion turns out {\it not\/} to coincide with the (topological) ${1\over N}$~expansion, b

M. Gasperini, G. Veneziano

The recently discovered $O(d,d)$ symmetry of the space of slowly varying cosmological string vacua in $d+1$ dimensions is shown to be preserved in the presence of bulk string matter. The existence of $O(d,d)$ conserved currents allows all the equations of string cosmology to be reduced to first-order differential equations. The perfect-fluid approximation is

Ken-ichiro Kobayashi, Tsuneo Uematsu

We study the quantum conserved charges and S-matrices of N=2 supersymmetric sine-Gordon theory in the framework of perturbation theory formulated in N=2 superspace. The quantum affine algebras ${\widehat {sl_{q}(2)}}$ and super topological charges play important roles in determining the N=2 soliton structure and S-matrices of soliton-(anti)soliton as well as

Kanehisa Takasaki, Takashi Takebe

A continuum limit of the Toda lattice field theory, called the SDiff(2) Toda equation, is shown to have a Lax formalism and an infinite hierarchy of higher flows. The Lax formalism is very similar to the case of the self-dual vacuum Einstein equation and its hyper-K\"ahler version, however now based upon a symplectic structure and the group SDiff(2) of area

Kanehisa Takasaki

Present state of the study of nonlinear ``integrable" systems related to the group of area-preserving diffeomorphisms on various surfaces is overviewed. Roles of area-preserving diffeomorphisms in 4-d self-dual gravity are reviewed. Recent progress in new members of this family, the SDiff(2) KP and Toda hierarchies, is reported. The group of area-preserving

Martin Bucher, Kai-Ming Lee, John Preskill

We analyze the charges carried by loops of string in models with non-abelian local discrete symmetry. The charge on a loop has no localized source, but can be detected by means of the Aharonov--Bohm interaction of the loop with another string. We describe the process of charge detection, and the transfer of charge between point particles and string loops, in

Martin Bucher, Hoi-Kwong Lo, John Preskill

We analyze the unlocalized ``Cheshire charge'' carried by ``Alice strings.'' The magnetic charge on a string loop is carefully defined, and the transfer of magnetic charge from a monopole to a string loop is analyzed using global topological methods. A semiclassical theory of electric charge transfer is also described.

Mark Alford, Kai-Ming Lee, John March-Russell, John Preskill

We develop an operator formalism for investigating the properties of nonabelian cosmic strings (and vortices) in quantum field theory. Operators are constructed that introduce classical string sources and that create dynamical string loops. The operator construction in lattice gauge theory is explicitly described, and correlation functions are computed in th

Robert C. Myers, Vipul Periwal

Rectangular $N\times M$ matrix models can be solved in several qualitatively distinct large $N$ limits, since two independent parameters govern the size of the matrix. Regarded as models of random surfaces, these matrix models interpolate between branched polymer behaviour and two-dimensional quantum gravity. We solve such models in a `triple-scaling' regime

P. Bouwknegt, J. McCarthy, K. Pilch

We discuss the BSRT quantization of 2D $N=1$ supergravity coupled to superconformal matter with $\hat{c} \leq 1$ in the conformal gauge. The physical states are computed as BRST cohomology. In particular, we consider the ring structure and associated symmetry algebra for the 2D superstring ($\hat{c} = 1$).

Fiorenzo Bastianelli

The computation of anomalies in quantum field theory may be carried out by evaluating path integral Jacobians, as first shown by Fujikawa. The evaluation of these Jacobians can be cast in the form of a quantum mechanical problem, whose solution has a path integral representation. For the case of Weyl anomalies, also called trace anomalies, one is immediately

Fiorenzo Bastianelli

We introduce a new model describing a bosonic system with chiral properties. It consists of a free boson with two peculiar couplings to the background geometry which generalizes the Feigen-Fuchs-Dotsenko-Fateev construction. By choosing the two background charges of the model, it is possible to achieve any prefixed value of the left and right central charges

S. Govindarajan, T. Jayaraman, V. John, P. Majumdar

We study $c<1$ matter coupled to gravity in the Coulomb gas formalism using the double cohomology of the string BRST and Felder BRST charges. We find that states outside the primary conformal grid are related to the states of non-zero ghost number by means of descent equations given by the double cohomology. Some aspects of the Virasoro structure of the Liou

Michael Lassig

We study the renormalization group for nearly marginal perturbations of a minimal conformal field theory M_p with p >> 1. To leading order in perturbation theory, we find a unique one-parameter family of ``hopping trajectories'' that is characterized by a staircase-like renormalization group flow of the C-function and the anomalous dimensions and that is rel

W. A. Leaf-Herrmann

Using nonperturbative techniques, we study the renormalization group trajectory between two conformal field theories. Specifically, we investigate a perturbation of the A3 superconformal minimal model such that in the infrared limit the theory flows to the A2 model. The correlation functions in the topological sector of the theory are computed numerically al

C. G. Callan, J. A. Harvey, A. E. Strominger

These notes are based on lectures given by C. Callan and J. Harvey at the 1991 Trieste Spring School on String Theory and Quantum Gravity. The subject is the construction of supersymmetric soliton solutions to superstring theory. A brief review of solitons and instantons in supersymmetric theories is presented. Yang-Mills instantons are then used to construc

Debashis Ghoshal, Swapna Mahapatra

The tree-level three-point correlation functions of local operators in the general $(p,q)$ minimal models coupled to gravity are calculated in the continuum approach. On one hand, the result agrees with the unitary series ($q=p+1$); and on the other hand, for $p=2, q=2k-1$, we find agreement with the one-matrix model results.

E. Bergshoeff, M. de Roo

We quantise the classical gauge theory of $N=2\ w_\infty$-supergravity and show how the underlying $N=2$ super-$w_\infty$ algebra gets deformed into an $N=2$ super-$W_\infty$ algebra. Both algebras contain the $N=2$ super-Virasoro algebra as a subalgebra. We discuss how one can extract from these results information about quantum $N=2\ W_N$-supergravity theo

B. de Wit, A. Van Proeyen

The existing classification of homogeneous quaternionic spaces is not complete. We study these spaces in the context of certain $N=2$ supergravity theories, where dimensional reduction induces a mapping between {\em special} real, K\"ahler and quaternionic spaces. The geometry of the real spaces is encoded in cubic polynomials, those of the K\"ahler and quat

E. Sezgin

We review the structure of W_\infty algebras, their super and topological extensions, and their contractions down to (super) w_\infty. Emphasis is put on the field theoretic realisations of these algebras. We also review the structure of w_\infty and W_\infty gravities and comment on various applications of W_\infty symmetry.

Abbas Ali, Alok Kumar

It is shown, using the Wakimoto representation, that the level zero SU(2) Kac-Moody conformal field theory is topological and can be obtained by twisting an N=2 superconformal theory. Expressions for the associated N=2 superconformal generators are written down and the Kac-Moody generators are shown to be BRST exact.

Linda Keen, Bernard Maskit, Caroline Series

In this paper, we assume that $G$ is a finitely generated torsion free non-elementary Kleinian group with $\Omega(G)$ nonempty. We show that the maximal number of elements of $G$ that can be pinched is precisely the maximal number of rank 1 parabolic subgroups that any group isomorphic to $G$ may contain. A group with this largest number of rank 1 maximal pa

Eugene Wong

A field theoretical realization of topological gravity is discussed in the semirigid geometry context. In particular, its topological nature is given by the relation between deRham cohomology and equivariant BRST cohomology and the fact that all but one of the physical operators are BRST-exact. The puncture equation and the dilaton equation of pure topologic

M. J. Duff, R. R. Khuri, J. X. Lu

We ask whether the recently discovered superstring and superfivebrane solutions of D=10 supergravity admit the interpretation of non-singular solitons even though, in the absence of Yang-Mills fields, they exhibit curvature singularities at the origin. We answer the question using a test probe/source approach, and find that the nature of the singularity is p

Nakhlé Asmar, Stephen J. Montgomery-Smith

Let B denote an arbitrary Banach space, G a compact abelian group with Haar measure $\mu$ and dual group $\Gamma$. Let E be a Sidon subset of $\Gamma$ with Sidon constant S(E). Let r_n denote the n-th Rademacher function on [0, 1]. We show that there is a constant c, depending only on S(E), such that, for all $\alpha > 0$: c^{-1}P[| \sum_{n=1}^Na_nr_n| >= c

Daniel Arnaudon

We derive fusion rules for the composition of $q$-deformed classical representations (arising in tensor products of the fundamental representation) with semi-periodic representations of $SL(N)_q$ at roots of unity. We obtain full reducibility into semi-periodic representations. On the other hand, heterogeneous $\cR$-matrices which intertwine tensor products

Yoshihisa Kitazawa

We identify the puncture operator in c=1 Liouville gravity as the discrete state with spin J=1/2. The correlation functions involving this operator satisfy the recursion relation which is characteristic in topological gravity. We derive the recursion relation involving the puncture operator by the operator product expansion. Multiple point correlation functi

Roman Jackiw, Dan Kabat, Miguel Ortiz

Electromagnetic fields of a massless charged particle are described by a gauge potential that is almost everywhere pure gauge. Solution of quantum mechanical wave equations in the presence of such fields is therefore immediate and leads to a new derivation of the quantum electrodynamical eikonal approximation. The elctromagnetic action in the eikonal limit i

Emil Martinec

Continuum and discrete approaches to 2d gravity coupled to $c<1$ matter are reviewed.

L. Alvarez-Gaume, H. Itoyama, J. L. Manes, A. Zadra

We propose a discrete model whose continuum limit reproduces the string susceptibility and the scaling dimensions of $(2,4m)$-minimal superconformal models coupled to $2D$-supergravity. The basic assumption in our presentation is a set of super-Virasoro constraints imposed on the partition function. We recover the Neveu-Schwarz and Ramond sectors of the theo

J. Luis Miramontes, Joaquin Sanchez Guillen

The universality of the non-perturbative definition of Hermitian one-matrix models following the quantum, stochastic, or $d=1$-like stabilization is discussed in comparison with other procedures. We also present another alternative definition, which illustrates the need of new physical input for $d=0$ matrix models to make contact with 2D quantum gravity at

Keith R. Dienes, S. -H. Henry Tye

Fractional superstrings are recently-proposed generalizations of the traditional superstrings and heterotic strings. They have critical spacetime dimensions which are less than ten, and in this paper we investigate model-building for the heterotic versions of these new theories. We concentrate on the cases with critical spacetime dimensions four and six, and

H. Lu, C. N. Pope, X. J. Wang, K. W. Xu

We show that the $N=2$ superstring in $d=2D\ge6$ real dimensions, with criticality achieved by including background charges in the two real time directions, exhibits a ``coordinate-freezing'' phenomenon, whereby the momentum in one of the two time directions is constrained to take a specific value for each physical state. This effectively removes this time d

P. Ginsparg

These are introductory lectures for a general audience that give an overview of the subject of matrix models and their application to random surfaces, 2d gravity, and string theory. They are intentionally 1.5 years out of date. 0. Canned Diatribe, Introduction, and Apologies 1. Discretized surfaces, matrix models, and the continuum limit 2. All genus partiti

A. M. Semikhatov

For a large class of hierarchies of integrable equations admitting a classical $r-$matrix, we propose a construction for the Virasoro algebra actionon the Lax operators which commutes with the hierarchy flows. The construction relies on the existence of dressing transformations associated to the $r$-matrix and does not involve the notion of a tau function. T

Matthias Blau, George Thompson

We discuss gauge theory with a topological N=2 symmetry. This theory captures the de Rham complex and Riemannian geometry of some underlying moduli space $\cal M$ and the partition function equals the Euler number of $\cal M$. We explicitly deal with moduli spaces of instantons and of flat connections in two and three dimensions. To motivate our construction

S. Kalara, J. Lopez, D. Nanopoulos

We examine the modular properties of nonrenormalizable superpotential terms in string theory and show that the requirement of modular invariance necessitates the nonvanishing of certain Nth order nonrenormalizable terms. In a class of models (free fermionic formulation) we explicitly verify that the nontrivial structure imposed by the modular invariance is i

Neil Marcus, Yaron Oz, Shimon Yankielowicz

The geometrical structure and the quantum properties of the recently proposed harmonic space action describing self-dual Yang-Mills (SDYM) theory are analyzed. The geometrical structure that is revealed is closely related to the twistor construction of instanton solutions. The theory gets no quantum corrections and, despite having SDYM as its classical equat

Feng Yu, Yong-Shi Wu

Previously we have established that the second Hamiltonian structure of the KP hierarchy is a nonlinear deformation, called $\hat{W}_{\infty}$, of the linear, centerless $W_{\infty}$ algebra. In this letter we present a free-field realization for all generators of $\hat{W}_{\infty}$ in terms of two scalars as well as an elegant generating function for the $\

K. Lee, V. P. Nair, Erick J. Weinberg

We study magnetically charged classical solutions of a spontaneously broken gauge theory interacting with gravity. We show that nonsingular monopole solutions exist only if the Higgs vacuum expectation value $v$ is less than or equal to a critical value $v_{cr}$, which is of the order of the Planck mass. In the limiting case the monopole becomes a black hole

G. W. Delius, M. T. Grisaru, D. Zanon

We derive the exact, factorized, purely elastic scattering matrices for the $a_{2n-1}^{(2)}$ family of nonsimply-laced affine Toda theories. The derivation takes into account the distortion of the classical mass spectrum by radiative correction, as well as modifications of the usual bootstrap assumptions since for these theories anomalous threshold singulari

A. N. Schellekens

Progress towards the classification of the meromorphic $c=24$ conformal field theories is reported. It is shown if such a theory has any spin-1 currents, it is either the Leech lattice CFT, or it can be written as a tensor product of Kac-Moody algebras with total central charge 24. The total number of combinations of Kac-Moody algebras for which meromorphic

Christof Schmidhuber

The path integral of four dimensional quantum gravity is restricted to conformally self-dual metrics. It reduces to integrals over the conformal factor and over the moduli space of conformally self--dual metrics and can be studied with the methods of two dimensional quantum gravity in conformal gauge. The conformal anomaly induces an analog of the Liouville

A. A. Tseytlin

We review some formal aspects of cosmological solutions in closed string theory with duality symmetric ``matter'' following recent paper with C. Vafa (HUTP-91/A049). We consider two models : when the matter action is the classical action of the fields corresponding to momentum and winding modes and when the matter action is represented by the quantum vacuum

Shin'ichi Nojiri

We discuss the non-perturbative aspect of zero dimensional superstring. The perturbative expansions of correlation functions diverge as $\sum_l(3l)!\kappa^{2l}$, where $\kappa$ is a string coupling constant. This implies there are non-perturbative contributions of order $\e^{C\kappa^{-{2 \over 3}}}$. (Here $C$ is a constant.) This situation contrasts with th

Jim Stasheff

A survey of ghost techniques in mathematical physics, which can be grouped under the rubric of `cohomological physics', particularly BRST cohomology.

E. Raiten

We extend the three dimensional stringy black hole of Horne and Horowitz to four dimensions. After a brief discussion of the global properties of the metric, we discuss the stability of the background with respect to small perturbations, following the methods of Gilbert and of Chandrasekhar. The potential for axial perturbations is found to be positive defin

Donald E. Knuth

This article is a sketch of ideas that were once intended to appear in the author's famous series, "The Art of Computer Programming". He generalizes the notion of a context-free language from a set to a multiset of words over an alphabet. The idea is to keep track of the number of ways to parse a string. For example, "fruit flies like a banana" can famously