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Quantum Open-Closed Homotopy Algebra and String Field Theory

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Abstract

We reformulate the algebraic structure of Zwiebach’s quantum open-closed string field theory in terms of homotopy algebras. We call it the quantum open-closed homotopy algebra (QOCHA) which is the generalization of the open-closed homotopy algebra (OCHA) of Kajiura and Stasheff. The homotopy formulation reveals new insights about deformations of open string field theory by closed string backgrounds. In particular, deformations by Maurer Cartan elements of the quantum closed homotopy algebra define consistent quantum open string field theories.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics, Theresienstrasse 37, 80333, Munich, Germany

    Korbinian Münster & Ivo Sachs

  2. Center for the Fundamental Laws of Nature, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA

    Ivo Sachs

Authors
  1. Korbinian Münster
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  2. Ivo Sachs
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Correspondence to Ivo Sachs.

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Communicated by N. A. Nekrasov

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Münster, K., Sachs, I. Quantum Open-Closed Homotopy Algebra and String Field Theory. Commun. Math. Phys. 321, 769–801 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00220-012-1654-1

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