QQˉQ\bar Q potential from AdS-CFT relation at T≥0T\geq 0: Dependence on orientation in internal space and higher curvature corrections

Within the classical approximation we calculate the static $Q\bar Q$ potential via the AdS/CFT relation for nonzero temperature and arbitrary internal orientation of the quarks. We use a higher order curvature corrected target space background. For timelike Wilson loops there arises a critical line in the orientation-distance plane which is shifted to larger distances relative to the calculation with uncorrected background. Beyond that line there is no $Q\bar Q$-force. The overall vanishing of the force for antipodal orientation known from zero tempera ture remains valid. The spacelike Wilson loops yield a string tension for a (2+1)-dimensional gauge theory, independent of the relative internal orientation, but sensitive to the background correction.Comment: Used background has been adapted to hep-th/9808126 and revised version of hep-th/9805156, slightly changed comment on 1/L ter

Two and three-point functions in Liouville theory

Based on our generalization of the Goulian-Li continuation in the power of the 2D cosmological term we construct the two and three-point correlation functions for Liouville exponentials with generic real coefficients. As a strong argument in favour of the procedure we prove the Liouville equation of motion on the level of three-point functions. The analytical structure of the correlation functions as well as some of its consequences for string theory are discussed. This includes a conjecture on the mass shell condition for excitations of noncritical strings. We also make a comment concerning the correlation functions of the Liouville field itself.Comment: 15 pages, Latex, Revised version: A sign error in formula (50) is correcte

On T-duality for open strings in general abelian and nonabelian gauge field backgrounds

We discuss T-duality for open strings in general background fields both in the functional integral formulation as well as in the language of canonical transformations. The Dirichlet boundary condition in the dual theory has to be treated as a constraint on the functional integration. Furthermore, we give meaning to the notion of matrix valued string end point position in the presence of nonabelian gauge field background.Comment: 10 pages, Latex, an inconsistency of the notation in section 3 is removed, 2 references adde

Remarks on T-duality for open strings

This contribution gives in sigma-model language a short review of recent work on T-duality for open strings in the presence of abelian or non-abelian gauge fields. Furthermore, it adds a critical discussion of the relation between RG beta-functions and the Born-Infeld action in the case of a string coupled to a D-brane.Comment: 7 pages, LATEX, requires esprc2.sty (included in uu-file