Noncommutative Open String Theory Research Articles

Geometry from D-branes in nonrelativistic string theory

Nonrelativistic (NR) string theory was discovered as a framework that underlies and unifies the various noncommutative open string (NCOS) theories, which were originally envisioned as surprising exceptions to the maxim that all string theories are gravitational in nature. In that view, the fact that NCOS has a gravitational dual was believed to be directly analogous to the AdS/CFT correspondence. When NCOS theories were understood to be simply the particular classes of states of the underlying NR theory that include longitudinal D-branes, it was suggested that the duality between NCOS and the corresponding gravitational theory is not an instance of gauge/gravity-type duality, but of open-string/closed-string duality between D-branes and black branes. This paper provides direct evidence in support of this perspective, by starting from a stack of D-branes in NR string theory and deriving the long-distance profile of the curved geometry in the corresponding black brane.

T-duality in nonrelativistic open string theory

Nonrelativistic open string theory is defined by a worldsheet theory that produces a Galilean invariant string spectrum and is described at low energies by a nonrelativistic Yang-Mills theory [1]. We study T-duality transformations in the path integral for the sigma model that describes nonrelativistic open string theory coupled to an arbitrary closed string background, described by a string Newton-Cartan geometry, Kalb-Ramond, and dilaton field. We prove that T-duality transformations map nonrelativistic open string theory to relativistic and noncommutative open string theory in the discrete light cone quantization (DLCQ), a quantization scheme relevant for Matrix string theory. We also show how the worldvolume dynamics of nonrelativistic open string theory described by the Dirac-Born-Infeld type action found in [1] maps to the Dirac-Born-Infeld actions describing the worldvolume theories of the DLCQ of open string theory and noncommutative open string theory.

STRING THEORY AND DUALITIES IN THE QUANTUM DISSIPATIVE HOFSTADTER SYSTEM

We study the dualities of the quantum dissipative Hofstadter system which describes particles moving in two dimensions, subject to a uniform magnetic field, a periodic potential and a dissipative force. Using the string theory formulation, we show that the system has two kinds of dualities. The duality, previously known as the exact duality in the literature is shown to correspond to a subgroup of the T-dual symmetry group unbroken by the periodic boundary potential in string theory. The other duality is a particle–kink duality in the noncommutative open string theory which is a generalized Schmid duality in the presence of the uniform magnetic field. The kinks of the dissipative Hofstadter model are found to be noncommutative objects. The particle–kink duality, which is called previously the approximate duality, is shown to be also exact. In contrast to the previous derivation, which is based on the Coulomb gas expansion of the partition function and asserts that the duality holds only approximately in the regime of strong magnetic field, the string theory formulation proves that duality holds always exactly in the off-critical regions where the periodic potential becomes strong, regardless of the strength of the magnetic field. The dualities of the DHM may also be useful for studying the rolling tachyon in string theory in the presence of the Neveu–Schwarz (NS) B-field, since both DHM and rolling tachyon in the presence of NS B-field are described by the same action.

Holography and D3-branes in Melvin universes

Recently, Hashimoto and Thomas [J. High Energy Phys., 01 (2006) 083] found that noncommutative super Yang-Mills (NCSYM) theory with space-dependent noncommutativity can be formulated as a decoupling limit of open strings ending on D3-branes wrapping a Melvin universe supported by a flux of the NSNS B-field. Under S-duality, we show that this theory turns into a noncommutative open string (NCOS) theory with space-dependent space-time noncommutativity and effective space-dependent string scale. It is an NCOS theory with both space-dependent space-space and space-time noncommutativities under more general SL(2,Z) transformation. These space-dependent noncommutative theories (NCSYM and NCOS) have completely the same thermodynamics as that of ordinary super YM theory, NCSYM and NCOS theories with constant noncommutativity in the dual supergravity description. Starting from black D3-brane solution in the Melvin universe and making a Lorentz boost along one of spatial directions on the worldvolume of D3-branes, we show that the decoupled theory is a lightlike NCSYM theory with space-dependent noncommutativity in a static frame or in an infinite-momentum frame depending on whether there is a gravitational pp-wave on the worldvolume of the D3-branes.

More on Penrose limits and non-local theories

We obtain the Penrose limit of six dimensional Non-Commutative Open String (NCOS$_6$) theory and show that in the neighborhood of a particular null geodesic it leads to an exactly solvable string theory (unlike their counterparts in four or in other dimensions). We describe the phase structure of this theory and discuss the Penrose limit in different phases including Open D-string (OD1) theory. We compute the string spectrum and discuss their relations with the states of various theories at different phases. We also consider the case of general null geodesic for which the Penrose limit leads to string theory in the time dependent pp-wave background and comment on the renormalization group flow in the dual theory.

NCOS and D-branes in time-dependent backgrounds

We study noncommutative open string (NCOS) theories realized in string theory with time-dependent backgrounds. Starting from a noncommutative Yang–Mills theory (NCYM) with a constant space–space noncommutativity but in a time-dependent background and making an S-dual transformation, we show that the resulting theory is an NCOS also in a time-dependent background but now with a time-dependent time–space noncommutativity and a time-dependent string scale. The corresponding dual gravity description is also given. A general SL(2,Z) transformation on the NCYM results in an NCOS with a time-dependent time-space noncommutativity and a constant space–space noncommutativity, and also in a time-dependent background.

A note on half-supersymmetric bound states in M-theory and type IIA string theory

By using O(7,7) transformations, to deform D6-branes, we obtain half-supersymmetric bound state solutions of type IIA supergravity, containing D6, D4, D2, D0, F1-branes and waves. We lift the solutions to M-theory which gives half-supersymmetric M-theory bound states, e.g. KK6–M5–M5–M5– M2–M2–M2–MW. We also take near-horizon limits for the type IIA solutions, which give supergravity duals of seven-dimensional non-commutative open string theory (with spacetime and space–space non-commutativity), non-commutative Yang–Mills theory (with space–space and light-like non-commutativity) and an open D4-brane theory.

Dynamical Aspects on Duality between SYM and NCOS from D2-F1 Bound State

It has been shown that (2+1)-dimensional N=8 super Yang-Mills (SYM) theory with electric flux is related to (2+1)- dimensional noncommutative open string (NCOS) theory by `2-11' flip. This implies that the instanton process in SYM theory, which corresponds to D0-brane exchange (M-momentum transfer) between D2-branes, is dual to the KK momentum exchange in NCOS theory, which is perturbative process in nature. In order to confirm this, we obtain the effective action of probe M2-brane on the background of tilted M2-branes, which would correspond to the one-loop effective action of SYM theory with non-perturbative instanton corrections. Then we consider the dual process in NCOS theory, which is the scattering amplitude of the wound graviton off the D2-F1 bound state involving KK-momentum transfer in x^2-direction. Both of them give the same interaction terms. Remarkably they also have the same behavior on the nontrivial velocity dependence. All these strongly support the duality between those two theories with completely different nature.

On decoupling of massless modes in NCOS theories

We revisit the decoupling phenomenon of massless modes in the noncommutative open string (NCOS) theories. We check the decoupling by explicit computation in (2+1) or higher dimensional NCOS theories and recapitulate the validity of the decoupling to all orders in perturbation theory.

On decoupled theories in (5+1) dimensions from (F,D1,NS5,D5) supergravity configuration

It is well-known that ($N$, $M$) 5-branes of type IIB supergravity form a non-threshold bound state with ($N'$, $M'$) strings called the (F, D1, NS5, D5) bound state where the strings lie along one of the spatial directions of the 5-branes (hep-th/9905056). By taking low energy limits in appropriate ways on this supergravity configuration, we obtain the supergravity duals of various decoupled theories in (5+1) dimensions corresponding to noncommutative open string (NCOS) theory, open D-string (OD1) theory and open D5-brane (OD5) theory. We then study the $SL(2, Z)$ transformation properties of these theories. We show that when the asymptotic value of the axion ($\chi_0$) is rational (for which $\chi_0$ can be put to zero), NCOS theory is always related to OD1 theory by strong-weak or S-duality symmetry. We also discuss the self-duality conjecture (hep-th/0006062) of both NCOS and OD1 theories. On the other hand, when $\chi_0$ is irrational, we find that $SL(2, Z)$ duality on NCOS theory gives another NCOS theory with different values of the parameters, but for OD1 theory $SL(2,Z)$ duality always gives an NCOS theory. $SL(2, Z)$ transformation on OD5 theory reveals that it gives rise to Little String Theory (LST) when $\chi_0$ = rational, but it gives another OD5 theory with different values of the parameters when $\chi_0$ is irrational.

The large M limit of non-commutative open strings at strong coupling

Two-dimensional Non-Commutative Open String (NCOS) theory, well-defined perturbatively, may also be studied at strong coupling and for large D-string charge by making use of the Holographic duality. We analyze the zero mode dynamics of a closed string in the appropriate background geometry and map the results onto a sector of strongly coupled NCOS dynamics. We find an elaborate classical picture that shares qualitative similarities with the SL(2, R) WZW model. In the quantum problem, we compute propagators and part of the energy spectrum of the theory; the latter involves interesting variations in the density of states as a function of the level number, and energies scaling inversely with the coupling. Finally, the geometry exhibits a near horizon throat, associated with NCOS dynamics, yet it is found that the whole space is available for Holography. This provides a setting to extend the Maldacena duality beyond the near horizon limit.

Duality cascade and oblique phases in non-commutative open string theory

We investigate the complete phase diagram of the decoupled world-sheet theory of (P,Q) strings. These theories include 1+1 dimensional super Yang-Mills theory and non-commutative open string theory. We find that the system exhibits a rich fractal phase structure, including a cascade of alternating supergravity, gauge theory, and matrix string theory phases. The cascade proceeds via a series of SL(2,Z) S-duality transformations, and depends sensitively on P and Q. In particular, we find that the system may undergo multiple Hagedorn-type transitions as the temperature is varied.

Open strings on AdS2 branes

We study the spectrum of open strings on AdS 2 branes in AdS 3 in an NS–NS background, using the SL(2, R) WZW model. When the brane carries no fundamental string charge, the open string spectrum is the holomorphic square root of the spectrum of closed strings in AdS 3. It contains short and long strings, and is invariant under spectral flow. When the brane carries fundamental string charge, the open string spectrum again contains short and long strings in all winding sectors. However, branes with fundamental string charge break half the spectral flow symmetry. This has different implications for short and long strings. As the fundamental string charge increases, the brane approaches the boundary of AdS 3. In this limit, the induced electric field on the worldvolume reaches its critical value, producing noncommutative open string theory on AdS 2.

The reduced open membrane metric

We discuss the reduction of the open membrane metric and determine the (previously unknown) conformal factor. We also construct SL(2,R) invariant open string metrics and complex open string coupling constants by reducing the open membrane metric on a 2-torus. In doing so we also clarify some issues on manifest SL(2,R) symmetry of the D3-brane. We remark on the consequences of our results for the recently conjectured existence of decoupled (p,q) non-commutative open string theories in type IIB string theory.

(1+p)-dimensional open D(p−2) brane theories

The dynamics of a Dp brane can be described either by an open string ending on this brane or by an open D(p - 2) brane ending on the same Dp brane. The ends of the open string couple to a Dp brane worldvolume gauge field while the boundary of the open D(p - 2) brane couples to a (p - 2)-form worldvolume potential whose field strength is Poincare dual to that of the gauge field on the Dp-brane worldvolume. With this in mind, we find that the Poincare dual of the fixed rank-2 magnetic field used in defining a (1 + p)-dimensional noncommutative Yang-Mills (NCYM) gives precisely a near-critical electric field for the open D(p - 2) brane. We therefore find (1 + p)-dimensional open D(p - 2) brane theories along the same line as for obtaining noncommutative open string theories (NCOS), OM theory and open Dp brane theories (ODp) from NS5 brane. Similarly, the Poincare dual of the near-critical electric field used in defining a (1 + p)-dimensional NCOS gives a fixed magnetic-like field. This field along with the same bulk field scalings defines a (1 + p)-dimensional noncommutative field theory. In the same spirit, we can have various (1 + 5)-dimensional noncommutative field theories resulting from the existence of ODp if the description of open D(4 - p) brane ending on the NS5 brane is insisted.

The Galilean nature of V-duality for noncommutative open string and Yang–Mills theories

A V-duality conjecture for noncommutative open string theories (NCOS) that result from decoupling D-branes in Lorentz-boost related backgrounds was put forward recently in hep-th/0006013. The aim of this paper is to test the Galilean nature of this conjecture in the gravity dual setup. We start with an (F, D3) bound state Lorentz-boosted along one D3-brane direction perpendicular to the F-string, and show that insisting a decoupled NCOS allows only infinitesimal Lorentz boosts. In this way, it is shown that the V-duality relates a family of NCOS by Galileo boosts. Starting with a Lorentz-boosted (D1,D3) bound state, we show that a similar V-duality works for noncommutative Yang-Mills (NCYM) theories as well. In addition, we deduce by a holography argument that the running string tension, as a function of the energy scale, for NCOS (or NCYM) remains unchanged under V-duality.

The Hagedorn transition in noncommutative open string theory

The Hagedorn transition in noncommutative open string theory (NCOS) is relatively simple because gravity decouples. For NCOS theories in no more than five space–time dimensions, the Hagedorn transition is second order, and the high temperature phase involves long, nearly straight fundamental strings separating from the D-brane on which the NCOS theory is defined. Above five spacetime dimensions interaction effects become important below the Hagedorn temperature. Although this complicates studies of the transition, we believe that the high temperature phase again involves long strings liberated from the bound state.

Multiloop Noncommutative Open String Theory and their QFT Limit

The multiloop amplitudes for open bosonic string in presence of a constant B-field are derived from first principles. The basic ingredients of the construction are the commutation relations for the string modes and the Reggeon vertex describing the interaction among three generic string states. The modifications due to the presence of the B-field affect non-trivially only the zero modes. This makes it possible to write in a simple and elegant way the general expression for multiloop string amplitudes in presence of a constant B-field. The field theory limit of these string amplitudes is also considered, and we show that it reproduces exactly the Feynman diagrams of noncommutative field theories.

Remarks on noncommutative open string theory:Vduality and holography

In this paper we study the interplay of electric and magnetic backgrounds in determining the decoupling limit of coincident D-branes towards a noncommutative Yang-Mills (NCYM) or open string (NCOS) theory. No decoupling limit has been found for NCYM with space-time noncommutativity. It is suggested that there is a new duality, which we call V-duality, which acts on NCOS with both space-space and space-time noncommutativity, resulting from decoupling in Lorentz-boost related backgrounds. We also show that the holographic correspondence, previously suggested by Li and Wu, between NCYM and its supergravity dual can be generalized to NCOS as well.

U-duality between NCOS theory and matrix theory

We show that the NCOS (noncommutative open string) theories on torus $T^p$ ($p\leq 5$) are U-dual to matrix theory on torus with electric flux background. Under U-duality, the number of D-branes and the number of units of electric flux get interchanged. Furthermore under the same U-duality the decoupling limit taken in the NCOS theory maps to the decoupling limit taken in the matrix theory, thus ensure the U-duality between those two class of theories. We consider the energy needed for Higgsing process and some bound states with finite energy and find agreements in both theories.