The target space geometry of N = (2,1) string theory

Abstract

We describe the constraints on the target space geometry of the N = (2,1) heterotic superstring due to the left-moving N = 1 supersymmetry and U(1) currents. In the fermionic description of the internal sector supersymmetry is realized quantum mechanically, so that both tree-level and one-loop effects contribute to the order constraints. We also discuss the physical interpretation of the resulting target space geometry in terms of configurations of a (2 + 2)-dimensional object propagating in a (10 + 2)-dimensional spacetime with a null isometry, which has recently been suggested as a unified description of string and M-theory.