1+1 Dimensional Compactifications of String Theory

TL;DR

The paper argues that stable, symmetric string theory compactifications to 1+1 dimensions conflict with holographic principles due to issues with horizon entropy, suggesting such compactifications are inconsistent with fundamental symmetries.

Contribution

It extends previous work by showing that finite horizon entropies in 1+1D compactifications are incompatible with holography and spacetime symmetries.

Findings

Finite horizon entropies conflict with symmetries in 1+1D compactifications.

Infinite or zero entropy resolves the conflict.

Holographic consistency constrains possible compactifications.

Abstract

We argue that stable, maximally symmetric compactifications of string theory to 1+1 dimensions are in conflict with holography. In particular, the finite horizon entropies of the Rindler wedge in 1+1 dimensional Minkowski and anti de Sitter space, and of the de Sitter horizon in any dimension, are inconsistent with the symmetries of these spaces. The argument parallels one made recently by the same authors, in which we demonstrated the incompatibility of the finiteness of the entropy and the symmetries of de Sitter space in any dimension. If the horizon entropy is either infinite or zero the conflict is resolved.