An Introduction to String Theory

TL;DR

This paper provides an introductory overview of string theory, covering bosonic and superstring concepts, aimed at readers with a background in quantum field theory and general relativity.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive lecture-based introduction to string theory, including advanced topics like orientifolds, filling gaps in the literature for students and researchers.

Findings

Clarifies fundamental string theory concepts

Includes detailed explanations of orientifolds

Serves as an educational resource

Abstract

These notes are based on lectures given by Michael Green during Part III of the Mathematics Tripos (the Certificate for Advanced Study in Mathematics) in the Spring of 2003. The course provided an introduction to string theory, focussing on the Bosonic string, but treating the superstring as well. A background in quantum field theory and general relativity is assumed. Some background in particle physics, group theory and conformal field theory is useful, though not essential. A number of appendices on more advanced topics are also provided, including an introduction to orientifolds in various brane configurations which helps to populate a relatively sparse part of the literature.