Remarks on Covariant Matrix Strings

TL;DR

This paper explores covariant formulations of matrix strings, proposing a topological quantum field theory approach involving octonionic instantons and discussing the potential for an extended gravity sector to achieve anomaly-free models.

Contribution

It introduces a topological quantum field theory framework for matrix strings using octonionic instantons and suggests a partially twisted W-gravity sector for anomaly cancellation.

Findings

Proposes a twisted topological quantum field theory for matrix strings.

Identifies the role of octonionic instantons in the model.

Highlights the need for an extended gravity sector for anomaly freedom.

Abstract

We address the issue of the worldsheet and spacetime covariant formulation for matrix strings. The problem is solved in the limit of vanishing string coupling. To go beyond the g_s = 0 limit, we propose a topological quantum field theory as a twisted candidate. Our model involves the generalized octonionic or SU(4) instanton equations defined in eight dimensions for a supersymmetric U(N) Yang--Mills field living on a special holonomy manifold. The question of untwisting this matrix model into an anomaly free theory enlightens the need for an "extended" 2d-gravity sector, that we suggest could be (partially twisted) W-gravity.