Higher-spin strings and W minimal models

TL;DR

This paper investigates higher-spin string theories with extended symmetries and their connection to W minimal models, revealing how states decompose into Virasoro primaries, thus advancing understanding of their spectrum.

Contribution

It introduces a framework linking higher-spin string spectra to W minimal models and details the decomposition of states into Virasoro primaries, a novel insight.

Findings

Higher-spin string spectra relate to W minimal models.

Decomposition of W model states into Virasoro primaries.

Enhanced understanding of symmetry structures in higher-spin theories.

Abstract

We study the spectrum of physical states for higher-spin generalisations of string theory, based on two-dimensional theories with local spin-2 and spin-$s$ symmetries. We explore the relation of the resulting effective Virasoro string theories to certain $W$ minimal models. In particular, we show how the highest-weight states of the $W$ minimal models decompose into Virasoro primaries.