On Background Independent Open-String Field Theory

TL;DR

This paper proposes a background independent open-string field theory framework using the BV formalism, defining a gauge invariant Lagrangian in a hypothetical space of all open-string theories, linking classical solutions to BRST invariance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel background independent approach to open-string field theory employing the BV formalism and a hypothetical space of theories, inspired by recent closed-string developments.

Findings

Defines a gauge invariant Lagrangian in a space of open-string theories

Shows classical solutions correspond to BRST invariant theories

Expands around solutions with gauge transformations generated by the BRST operator

Abstract

A framework for background independent open-string field theory is proposed. The approach involves using the BV formalism -- in a way suggested by recent developments in closed-string field theory -- to implicitly define a gauge invariant Lagrangian in a hypothetical ``space of all open-string world-sheet theories.'' It is built into the formalism that classical solutions of the string field theory are BRST invariant open-string world-sheet theories and that, when expanding around a classical solution, the infinitesimal gauge transformations are generated by the world-sheet BRST operator.