Topological Mass Generation in Three-Dimensional String Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores how topologically massive gravity and gauge theories emerge in three-dimensional string theory by integrating out axion fields, analyzing their strong coupling behavior and the roles of axion and dilaton fields.

Contribution

It demonstrates the reformulation of three-dimensional string theory effective action into topologically massive gravity coupled to gauge theory, highlighting conditions and strong coupling limits.

Findings

Reformulation of the effective action into topologically massive theories

Identification of conditions for topological mass generation

Analysis of strong coupling behavior of axion and dilaton fields

Abstract

The effective action of string theory in three dimensions is investigated, incorporating the Lorentz and gauge Chern-Simons terms in the definition of the Kalb-Ramond axion field strength. Since in three dimensions any three-form is trivial, the action can be reformulated by properly integrating the axion out. The circumstances under which it can be recast in form of topologically massive gravity coupled to a topologically massive gauge theory are pointed out. Finally, the strong coupling limit of the resulting action is inspected, with the focus on the roles played by the axion and dilaton fields.