Interpolating String Field Theories

TL;DR

This paper introduces a one-parameter family of covariant open-closed quantum string field theories derived from a minimal area problem, bridging between a factorizable theory and an extended Witten's open string field theory.

Contribution

It presents a novel interpolation framework connecting different string field theories through a minimal area problem and new moduli space decompositions.

Findings

Defines a one-parameter family of covariant open-closed theories.

Introduces a new decomposition of moduli spaces using quadratic differentials.

Connects factorizable theories with extended Witten's open string field theory.

Abstract

A minimal area problem imposing different length conditions on open and closed curves is shown to define a one parameter family of covariant open-closed quantum string field theories. These interpolate from a recently proposed factorizable open-closed theory up to an extended version of Witten's open string field theory capable of incorporating on shell closed strings. The string diagrams of the latter define a new decomposition of the moduli spaces of Riemann surfaces with punctures and boundaries based on quadratic differentials with both first order and second order poles.