Asymptotic symmetry groups and operator algebras

TL;DR

This paper constructs vertex operators for space-time diffeomorphisms in flat space string theory, revealing a diffeomorphism algebra with higher derivative corrections and embedding the BMS3 asymptotic symmetry group within a quantum gravity framework.

Contribution

It introduces a method to realize the BMS3 algebra via vertex operators, connecting asymptotic symmetries with string theory and quantum gravity.

Findings

Diffeomorphism algebra with higher derivative corrections derived

BMS3 asymptotic symmetry group embedded in string theory

Higher derivative corrections vanish asymptotically

Abstract

We associate vertex operators to space-time diffeomorphisms in flat space string theory, and compute their algebra, which is a diffeomorphism algebra with higher derivative corrections. As an application, we realize the asymptotic symmetry group BMS3 of three-dimensional flat space in terms of vertex operators on the string worldsheet. This provides an embedding of the BMS3 algebra in a consistent theory of quantum gravity. Higher derivative corrections vanish asymptotically. An appendix is dedicated to alpha prime corrected algebras in conformal field theory and string theory.