On quantum interacting embedded geometrical objects of various dimensions

• Main Author: Evnin, Oleg
• Format: Others
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: https://thesis.library.caltech.edu/2495/1/thesis.pdf; Evnin, Oleg (2006) On quantum interacting embedded geometrical objects of various dimensions. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/1VN2-VZ71. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06072006-174745 <https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06072006-174745>

Modern string theory naturally gives rise to an assortment of dynamical geometrical objects of various dimensions (collectively referred to as "branes") embedded into spacetime. The aim of this thesis is to present a series of results (of varying novelty and rigor) pertinent to dynamics of the low-dimensional geometrical objects of this kind. The processes considered are the D0-brane recoil and annihilation, "local recoil" of D1-branes (which is a peculiar effect manifested by one-dimensional topological defects in response to an impact, and closely related to soliton recoil), and D- and F-string loop mixing. Apart from the practical relevance within the formalism of string theory, such considerations are worthwhile in that the quantum dynamics of the geometrical objects involved is complex enough to be interesting, yet simple enough to be tractable. Furthermore, some of the results derived here within the string theory formalism may give valuable insights into the dynamics of low-dimensional field-theoretical topological defects.