Non-relativistic String Research Articles

A perturbative approach to the non-relativistic string spectrum

In this letter we use a perturbative approach to find the spectrum of non-relativistic strings in the String Newton-Cartan (SNC) AdS5×S5 spacetime. We perturb the bosonic sector of the action around a BMN-like folded string solution in light-cone gauge. We find strong evidence that the theory is described by a combination of massive and massless free fields in an anti-de Sitter background by showing that interaction terms up to six scalars vanish after field redefinitions.

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.

Unification of Decoupling Limits in String and M Theory.

We study and extend the duality web unifying different decoupling limits of type II superstring theories and M theory. We systematically build connections to different corners, such as matrix theories, nonrelativistic string and M theory, tensionless (and ambitwistor) string theory, Carrollian string theory, and spin matrix limits of AdS/CFT. We discuss target space, world sheet, and worldvolume aspects of these limits in arbitrary curved backgrounds.

Flowing from relativistic to nonrelativistic string vacua in AdS5×S5

We find the connection between relativistic and nonrelativistic string vacua in AdS5×S5 in terms of a free parameter c flow. First, we show that the famous relativistic BMN vacuum flows in the large c parameter to an unphysical solution of the nonrelativistic theory. Then, we consider the simplest nonrelativistic vacuum, found in Fontanella and García [] (called BMN-like), and we identify its relativistic origin, namely a noncompact version of the folded string with zero spin, ignored in the past due to its infinite energy. We show that, once the critical closed B-field required by the nonrelativistic limit is included, the total energy of such relativistic solution is finite, and in the large c parameter it precisely matches the one of the BMN-like string. We also analyze the case with spin in the transverse anti–de Sitter directions. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Longitudinal Galilean and Carrollian limits of non-relativistic strings

It is well known that one can take an infinite speed of light limit that gives rise to non-relativistic strings with a relativistic worldsheet sigma model but with a non-relativistic target space geometry. In this work we systematically explore two further limits in which the worldsheet becomes non-Lorentzian. The first gives rise to a Galilean string with a Galilean structure on the worldsheet, extending previous work on Spin Matrix-related string theory limits. The second is a completely novel limit leading to a worldsheet theory with a Carrollian structure. We find the Nambu-Goto and Polyakov formulations of both limits and explore gauge fixing choices. Furthermore, we study in detail the case of the Galilean string for a class of target space geometries that are related to Spin Matrix target space geometries, for which the Nambu-Goto action (in static gauge) is quadratic in the fields.

Non-Lorentzian IIB supergravity from a polynomial realization of SL(2, ℝ)

We derive the action and symmetries of the bosonic sector of non-Lorentzian IIB supergravity by taking the non-relativistic string limit. We find that the bosonic field content is extended by a Lagrange multiplier that implements a restriction on the Ramond-Ramond fluxes. We show that the SL(2, ℝ) transformation rules of non-Lorentzian IIB supergravity form a novel, nonlinear polynomial realization. Using classical invariant theory of polynomial equations and binary forms, we will develop a general formalism describing the polynomial realization of SL(2, ℝ) and apply it to the special case of non-Lorentzian IIB supergravity. Using the same formalism, we classify all the relevant SL(2, ℝ) invariants. Invoking other bosonic symmetries, such as the local boost and dilatation symmetry, we show how the bosonic part of the non-Lorentzian IIB supergravity action is formed uniquely from these SL(2, ℝ) invariants. This work also points towards the concept of a non-Lorentzian bootstrap, where bosonic symmetries in non-Lorentzian supergravity are used to bootstrap the bosonic dynamics in Lorentzian supergravity, without considering the fermions.

Non-relativistic string monodromies

Spectral curve methods proved to be powerful techniques in the context of relativistic integrable string theories, since they allow us to derive the semiclassical spectrum from the minimal knowledge of a Lax pair and a classical string solution. In this paper we initiate the study of the spectral curve for non-relativistic strings in AdS5 × S5. First, we show that for string solutions whose Lax connection is independent of σ, the eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix do not have any spectral parameter dependence. We remark that this particular behaviour also appears for relativistic strings in flat space. Second, for some simple non-relativistic string solutions where the path ordered exponential of the Lax connection can be computed, we show that the monodromy matrix is either diagonalisable with quasi-momenta independent of the spectral parameter, or non-diagonalisable. For the latter case, we propose a notion of generalised quasi-momenta, based on maximal abelian subalgebras, which retain a dependence on the spectral parameter.

Geometry of nonrelativistic string

The nonrelativistic bosonic string theory in a curved manifold is formulated here using gauging of symmetry approach (Galilean Gauge theory). The corresponding model in flat space has some global symmetries. By localizing these symmetries as per Galilean Gauge theory, the action for the nonrelativistic string interacting with gravity is obtained. A canonical analysis of the model has been performed which demonstrate that the transformations of the basic field variables under gauge transformations in phase space are equivalent to the diffeomorphism parameters by an exact mapping. Thus complete consistency of our results from both Lagrangian and Hamiltonian procedures are established.

Extending the nonrelativistic string AdS coset

Inspired by Lie algebra expansion, we consider an extension of the algebra introduced in A. Fontanella and S. J. van Tongeren [Coset space actions for nonrelativistic strings, J. High Energy Phys. 06 (2022) 80.] for the nonrelativistic string coset action in ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{5}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{S}}^{5}$. We show that the extended algebra admits a nondegenerate inner product which is adjoint invariant under the full extended algebra. Furthermore, we provide a finite-dimensional representation of the extended algebra.

The supersymmetric Neveu-Schwarz branes of non-relativistic string theory

We construct the basic Neveu-Schwarz (NS) brane solutions of non-relativistic string theory using longitudinal T-duality as a solution generating technique. Extending the NS background fields to a supergravity multiplet, we verify that all solutions we find are half-supersymmetric. The two perturbative solutions we find both have an interpretation as the background geometry outside a string-like object. Correspondingly, we refer to these non-Lorentzian backgrounds as winding string and unwound string solution. Whereas the winding string is part of the on-shell spectrum of non-relativistic string theory, the unwound string only makes sense off-shell where it mediates the instantaneous gravitational force. Seen from the nine-dimensional point of view, we find that the winding string solution is sourced by a non-relativistic massive particle and that the unwound string solution is sourced by a massless Galilean particle of zero colour and spin. We explain how these two string solutions fit into a discrete lightcone quantization of string theory. We shortly discuss the basic NS five-brane and Kaluza-Klein monopole solutions and show that they are both half-supersymmetric.

New formulation of non-relativistic string in AdS5× S5

We study non-relativistic limit of AdS5× S5 background and determine corresponding Newton-Cartan fields. We also find canonical form of this new formulation of non-relativistic string in this background and discuss its formulation in the uniform light-cone gauge.

Aspects of Nonrelativistic Strings

We review recent developments on nonrelativistic string theory. In flat spacetime, the theory is defined by a two-dimensional relativistic quantum field theory with nonrelativistic global symmetries acting on the worldsheet fields. This theory arises as a self-contained corner of relativistic string theory. It has a string spectrum with a Galilean dispersion relation, and a spacetime S-matrix with nonrelativistic symmetry. This string theory also gives a unitary and ultraviolet complete framework that connects different corners of string theory, including matrix string theory and noncommutative open strings. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the non-Lorentzian geometries and quantum field theories that arise from nonrelativistic string theory in background fields. In this review, we start with an introduction to the foundations of nonrelativistic string theory in flat spacetime. We then give an overview of recent progress, including the appropriate target-space geometry that nonrelativistic strings couple to. This is known as (torsional) string Newton–Cartan geometry, which is neither Lorentzian nor Riemannian. We also give a review of nonrelativistic open strings and effective field theories living on D-branes. Finally, we discuss applications of nonrelativistic strings to decoupling limits in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence.

Nonrelativistic strings and the limits of mathcal{N} = 2 dualities

We carry out the formulation of nonrelativistic (NR) F-string theory for mathcal{N} = 2 Gaiotto-Maldacena class of geometries in type IIA supergravity. Considering the NS-NS sector, we reduce the type IIA theory into the NR sigma models those are formulated over the nonrelativistic target space geometries known as the torsional String Newton-Cartan (TSNC) backgrounds. Using these TSNC data, we write down the sigma model action and explore several properties in the semiclassical limit. In particular, we carry out the canonical analysis of the T-duality transformation rules in TSNC background. Following the standard canonical prescription of obtaining T-duality transformations, we map these TSNC sigma models to relativistic sigma models propagating over general relativity backgrounds. Finally, we conclude with a detailed discussion on the effects of adding flavour branes and thereby taking the corresponding TSNC limit in the bulk description of mathcal{N} = 2 quivers. We compute various field theory observables in the nonrelativistic limit and outline the structure of the NR Lagrangian following the light cone reduction of mathcal{N} = 2 SYM theory.

Dual D-brane actions in nonrelativistic string theory

We study worldvolume actions for D-branes coupled to the worldvolume U(1) gauge field and Ramond-Ramond (RR) potentials in nonrelativistic string theory. This theory is a self-contained corner of relativistic string theory and has a string spectrum with a Galilean-invariant dispersion relation. We therefore refer to such D-branes in nonrelativistic string theory as nonrelativistic D-branes. We focus on the bosonic fields in spacetime and also couple the D-branes to general closed string geometry, Kalb-Ramond, and dilaton background fields. We dualize nonrelativistic D-branes by performing a duality transformation on the worldvolume U(1) gauge field and uncover novel dual D-brane actions. This generalizes familiar properties, such as the SL(2, ℤ) duality in Type IIB superstring theory and the relation between Type IIA superstring and M-theory, to nonrelativistic string and M-theory. Moreover, we generalize the limit of string theory, in which nonrelativistic string theory arises, to include RR potentials. This stringy limit induces a codimension-two foliation structure in spacetime. This spacetime geometry is non-Riemannian and known as string Newton-Cartan geometry. In contrast, nonrelativistic M-theory that we probe by dualizing D2- and D4-branes in nonrelativistic string theory arises as a membrane limit of M-theory, and it is coupled to a membrane Newton-Cartan geometry with a codimension-three foliation structure. We also discuss T-duality in nonrelativistic string theory and generalize Buscher rules from earlier work to include RR potentials.

Canonical analysis of non-relativistic string with non-relativistic world-sheet

We perform canonical analysis of non-relativistic string theory with non-relativistic world-sheet gravity. We determine structure of constraints and symplectic structure of canonical variables.

KLT factorization of nonrelativistic string amplitudes

We continue our study of the Kawai-Lewellen-Tye (KLT) factorization of winding string amplitudes in [1]. In a toroidal compactification, amplitudes for winding closed string states factorize into products of amplitudes for open strings ending on an array of D-branes localized in the compactified directions; the specific D-brane configuration is determined by the closed string data. In this paper, we study a zero Regge slope limit of the KLT relations between winding string amplitudes. Such a limit of string theory requires a critically tuned Kalb-Ramond field in a compact direction, and leads to a self-contained corner called nonrelativistic string theory. This theory is unitary, ultraviolet complete, and its string spectrum and spacetime S-matrix satisfy nonrelativistic symmetry. Moreover, the asymptotic closed string states in nonrelativistic string theory necessarily carry nonzero windings. First, starting with relativistic string theory, we construct a KLT factorization of amplitudes for winding closed strings in the presence of a critical Kalb-Ramond field. Then, in the zero Regge limit, we uncover a KLT relation for amplitudes in nonrelativistic string theory. Finally, we show how such a relation can be reproduced from first principles in a purely nonrelativistic string theory setting. We will also discuss connections to the amplitudes of string theory in the discrete light cone quantization (DLCQ), a method that is relevant for Matrix theory.

Torsional string Newton-Cartan geometry for non-relativistic strings

We revisit the formulation of non-relativistic (NR) string theory and its target space geometry. We obtain a new formulation in which the geometry contains a two-form field that couples to the tension current and that transforms under string Galilei boosts. This parallels the Newton-Cartan one-form that couples to the mass current of a non-relativistic point particle. We show how this formulation of the NR string arises both from an infinite speed of light limit and a null reduction of the relativistic closed bosonic string. In both cases, the two-form originates from a combination of metric quantities and the Kalb-Ramond field. The target space geometry of the NR string is seen to arise from the gauging of a new algebra that is obtained by an İnönü-Wigner contraction of the Poincaré algebra extended by the symmetries of the Kalb-Ramond field. In this new formulation, there are no superfluous target space fields that can be removed by fixing a Stückelberg symmetry. Classically, there are no foliation/torsion constraints imposed on the target space geometry.

Note about null dimensional reduction of M5-brane

In this short note we study null dimensional reduction of M5-brane covariant action. We analyze longitudinal dimensional reduction that leads to nonrelativistic D4-brane and transverse reduction that leads to NS5-brane in nonrelativistic string theory.

Nonrelativistic Expansion of Closed Bosonic Strings.

We develop a novel approach to nonrelativistic closed bosonic string theory that is based on a string 1/c^{2} expansion of the relativistic string, where c is the speed of light. This approach has the benefit that one does not need to take a limit of a string in a near-critical Kalb-Ramond background. The 1/c^{2}-expanded Polyakov action at next-to-leading order reproduces the known action of nonrelativistic string theory provided that the target space obeys an appropriate foliation constraint. We compute the spectrum in a flat target space, with one circle direction that is wound by the string, up to next-to-leading order and show that it reproduces the spectrum of the Gomis-Ooguri string.

Canonical analysis of new non-relativistic string action and uniform light-cone gauge formulation

We perform canonical analysis of new non-relativistic string action that was found recently in [32]. We also discuss its gauge fixed form.