Rindler on the Worldsheet

TL;DR

This paper explores the tensionless limit of bosonic string theory using Rindler coordinates, revealing a novel observer-dependent phenomenon called null string complementarity and the emergence of open string physics.

Contribution

It introduces null string complementarity, showing how open string physics emerges from closed strings in the tensionless limit with observer-dependent perspectives.

Findings

Null string emerges at infinite acceleration near the Rindler horizon.

Closed string vacuum becomes a D-instanton for inertial observers.

Open string picture naturally arises near the Rindler horizon.

Abstract

We construct the tensionless limit of bosonic string theory in terms of a family of worldsheets with increasing acceleration and show that the null string emerges in the limit of infinite acceleration when the Rindler horizon is hit. We discover a novel phenomenon we call null string complementarity, which gives two distinct observer dependent pictures of the emergence of open string physics from closed strings in the tensionless limit. The closed string vacuum as observed by the inertial worldsheet turns into a D-instanton in the tensionless limit, while in the complementary picture from the accelerated worldsheet one sees the emergence of a D-25 brane. We finally discuss approaching the Rindler horizon through time evolution at constant acceleration and also show how an open string picture arises very naturally.