On 2D2D quantum gravity coupled to a \s-model

This contribution is a review of the method of isomonodromic quantization of dimensionally reduced gravity. Our approach is based on the complete separation of variables in the isomonodromic sector of the model and the related ``two-time" Hamiltonian structure. This allows an exact quantization in the spirit of the scheme developed in the framework of integrable systems. Possible ways to identify a quantum state corresponding to the Kerr black hole are discussed. In addition, we briefly describe the relation of this model with Chern Simons theory.Comment: 9 pages, LaTeX style espcrc2, to appear in Proceedings of 29th International Symposium Ahrenshoop, Buckow, 199

Isomonodromic Quantization of Dimensionally Reduced Gravity

We present a detailed account of the isomonodromic quantization of dimensionally reduced Einstein gravity with two commuting Killing vectors. This theory constitutes an integrable ``midi-superspace" version of quantum gravity with infinitely many interacting physical degrees of freedom. The canonical treatment is based on the complete separation of variables in the isomonodromic sectors of the model. The Wheeler-DeWitt and diffeomorphism constraints are thereby reduced to the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations for $SL(2,R)$. The physical states are shown to live in a well defined Hilbert space and are manifestly invariant under the full diffeomorphism group. An infinite set of independent observables \`a la Dirac exists both at the classical and the quantum level. Using the discrete unitary representations of $SL(2,R)$, we construct explicit quantum states. However, satisfying the additional constraints associated with the coset space $SL(2,R)/SO(2)$ requires solutions based on the principal series representations, which are not yet known. We briefly discuss the possible implications of our results for string theory.Comment: 36 pages, LATE

Isomonodromic tau-function of Hurwitz Frobenius manifolds and its applications

In this work we find the isomonodromic (Jimbo-Miwa) tau-function corresponding to Frobenius manifold structures on Hurwitz spaces. We discuss several applications of this result. First, we get an explicit expression for the G-function (solution of Getzler's equation) of the Hurwitz Frobenius manifolds. Second, in terms of this tau-function we compute the genus one correction to the free energy of hermitian two-matrix model. Third, we find the Jimbo-Miwa tau-function of an arbitrary Riemann-Hilbert problem with quasi-permutation monodromy matrices. Finally, we get a new expression (analog of genus one Ray-Singer formula) for the determinant of Laplace operator in the Poincar\'e metric on Riemann surfaces of an arbitrary genus.Comment: The direct proof of variational formulas on branched coverings is added. The title is modified due to observed coincidence of isomonodromic tau-function of Hurwitz Frobenius manifolds with Bergman tau-function on Hurwitz spaces introduced by the author

Tau function and moduli of differentials

The tau function on the moduli space of generic holomorphic 1-differentials on complex algebraic curves is interpreted as a section of a line bundle on the projectivized Hodge bundle over the moduli space of stable curves. The asymptotics of the tau function near the boundary of the moduli space of 1-differentials is computed, and an explicit expression for the pullback of the Hodge class on the projectivized Hodge bundle in terms of the tautological class and the classes of boundary divisors is derived. This expression is used to clarify the geometric meaning of the Kontsevich-Zorich formula for the sum of the Lyapunov exponents associated with the Teichm\"uller flow on the Hodge bundle.Comment: misprints corrected; journal reference adde