The Topological Matrix Model Of c=1 String

TL;DR

This paper derives a new Kontsevich-type matrix model for the c=1 string from the W-infinity solution, offering a simpler, background-independent approach that corrects previous models.

Contribution

It introduces a novel matrix model for c=1 string theory derived directly from the W-infinity solution, differing from and correcting earlier proposals.

Findings

The new matrix model encompasses Penner and Kontsevich cases.

The model's simplicity supports a background-independent interpretation.

Quantum effective action analysis provides insights into noncritical string field theory.

Abstract

We derive a Kontsevich-type matrix model for the c=1 string directly from the W-infinity solution of the theory. The model that we obtain is different from previous proposals, which are proven to be incorrect. Our matrix model contains the Penner and Kontsevich cases, and we study its quantum effective action. The simplicity of our model leads to an encouraging interpretation in the context of background-independent noncritical string field theory.