Low momentum expansion of one loop amplitudes in heterotic string theory

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the low momentum expansion of one-loop four graviton and two graviton--two gluon amplitudes in heterotic string theory, focusing on specific higher-derivative interactions and employing modular graph functions.

Contribution

It introduces a method to compute low momentum expansions in heterotic string theory using modular graph functions, combining techniques from type II theory and elliptic genus calculations.

Findings

Derived equations for relevant modular graph functions.

Calculated contributions to D^2 R^4 and D^4 R^2 F^2 interactions.

Enhanced understanding of one-loop amplitudes in heterotic string theory.

Abstract

We consider the low momentum expansion of the four graviton and the two graviton--two gluon amplitudes in heterotic string theory at one loop in ten dimensions, and analyze contributions upto the D^2 R^4 interaction from the four graviton amplitude, and the D^4 R^2 F^2 interaction from the two graviton--two gluon amplitude. The calculations are performed by obtaining equations for the relevant modular graph functions that arise in the modular invariant integrals, and involve amalgamating techniques used in the type II theory and the calculation of the elliptic genus in the heterotic theory.