Wilson Loops in Open String Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores how Wilson loops influence the partition function of open strings on a torus, revealing connections between mass spectra, symmetry breaking, and Jacobi transformations, with implications for thermodynamics and cosmology.

Contribution

It introduces Wilson loop elements into open string partition functions and demonstrates their relation to mass spectra and symmetry breaking via Jacobi transformations.

Findings

Wilson loops modify open string mass spectra

Jacobi's transformation links spectra and Wilson loops

Implications for thermodynamics and cosmology

Abstract

Wilson loop elements on torus are introduced into the partition function of open strings as Polyakov's path integral at one-loop level. Mass spectra from compactification and expected symmetry breaking are illustrated by choosing the correct weight for the contributions from annulus and M\"obius strip. We show that Jacobi's imaginary transformation connects the mass spectra with the Wilson loops. The application to thermopartition function and cosmological implications are briefly discussed.