Noncommutativity and theta-locality

In this paper, we introduce the condition of theta-locality which can be used as a substitute for microcausality in quantum field theory on noncommutative spacetime. This condition is closely related to the asymptotic commutativity which was previously used in nonlocal QFT. Heuristically, it means that the commutator of observables behaves at large spacelike separation like $\exp(-|x-y|^2/\theta)$, where $\theta$ is the noncommutativity parameter. The rigorous formulation given in the paper implies averaging fields with suitable test functions. We define a test function space which most closely corresponds to the Moyal star product and prove that this space is a topological algebra under the star product. As an example, we consider the simplest normal ordered monomial $:\phi\star\phi:$ and show that it obeys the theta-locality condition.Comment: LaTeX, 17 pages, no figures; minor changes to agree with published versio

Towards an Axiomatic Formulation of Noncommutative Quantum Field Theory

We propose new Wightman functions as vacuum expectation values of products of field operators in the noncommutative space-time. These Wightman functions involve the $\star$-product among the fields, compatible with the twisted Poincar\'e symmetry of the noncommutative quantum field theory (NC QFT). In the case of only space-space noncommutativity ($\theta_{0i}=0$), we prove the CPT theorem using the noncommutative form of the Wightman functions. We also show that the spin-statistics theorem, demonstrated for the simplest case of a scalar field, holds in NC QFT within this formalism.Comment: 16 pages, version to appear in J. Math. Phy

Isometric Embeddings and Noncommutative Branes in Homogeneous Gravitational Waves

We characterize the worldvolume theories on symmetric D-branes in a six-dimensional Cahen-Wallach pp-wave supported by a constant Neveu-Schwarz three-form flux. We find a class of flat noncommutative euclidean D3-branes analogous to branes in a constant magnetic field, as well as curved noncommutative lorentzian D3-branes analogous to branes in an electric background. In the former case the noncommutative field theory on the branes is constructed from first principles, related to dynamics of fuzzy spheres in the worldvolumes, and used to analyse the flat space limits of the string theory. The worldvolume theories on all other symmetric branes in the background are local field theories. The physical origins of all these theories are described through the interplay between isometric embeddings of branes in the spacetime and the Penrose-Gueven limit of AdS3 x S3 with Neveu-Schwarz three-form flux. The noncommutative field theory of a non-symmetric spacetime-filling D-brane is also constructed, giving a spatially varying but time-independent noncommutativity analogous to that of the Dolan-Nappi model.Comment: 52 pages; v2: References adde