Open and Unoriented Strings from Topological Membrane - I. Prolegomena

TL;DR

This paper explores how open and unoriented strings emerge from a topological membrane framework by gauging discrete symmetries, highlighting the role of charge conjugation in boundary condition distinctions.

Contribution

It introduces a method to derive open and unoriented strings from a topological membrane via orbifolds and symmetry gauging, emphasizing the significance of charge conjugation.

Findings

Open and unoriented strings are obtained through orbifolds of the 3D bulk space.

The role of charge conjugation in distinguishing boundary conditions is clarified.

A framework for understanding string boundary conditions from topological membranes is established.

Abstract

We study open and unoriented strings in a Topological Membrane (TM) theory through orbifolds of the bulk 3D space. This is achieved by gauging discrete symmetries of the theory. Open and unoriented strings can be obtained from all possible realizations of $C$, $P$ and $T$ symmetries. The important role of $C$ symmetry to distinguish between Dirichlet and Neumman boundary conditions is discussed in detail.