Tensionless Strings and Galilean Conformal Algebra

TL;DR

This paper explores the connection between tensionless string theory symmetries and the 2D Galilean Conformal Algebra, revealing how the latter emerges as a contraction of the residual gauge symmetries of tensile strings, with implications for holography.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the 2D Galilean Conformal Algebra naturally arises as a contraction of the residual gauge symmetries in tensionless bosonic closed string theory.

Findings

2d GCA is linked to tensionless string limits

The algebra emerges from residual gauge symmetry contraction

Potential dual interpretation as a point-particle limit

Abstract

We find an intriguing link between the symmetries of the tensionless limit of closed string theory and the 2-dimensional Galilean Conformal Algebra (2d GCA). 2d GCA has been discussed in the context of the non-relativistic limit of AdS/CFT and more recently in flat-space holography as the proposed symmetry algebra of the field theory dual to 3d Minkowski spacetimes. It is best understood as a contraction of two copies of the Virasoro algebra. In this note, we link this to the tensionless limit of bosonic closed string theory. We show how it emerges naturally as a contraction of the residual gauge symmetries of the tensile string in the conformal gauge. We also discuss a possible "dual" interpretation in terms of a point-particle like limit.