Computing the R^4 term at two Superstring Loops

We use a previously derived integral representation for the four graviton amplitude at two loops in Superstring theory, whose leading term for vanishing momenta gives the two-loop contribution to the R^4 term in the Effective Action. We find by an explicit computation that this contribution is zero, in agreement with a general argument implying the vanishing of the R^4 term beyond one loop.Comment: 6 pages, Late

The decay of massive closed superstrings with maximum angular momentum

We study the decay of a very massive closed superstring (i.e. \alpha' M^2>> 1) in the unique state of maximum angular momentum. This is done in flat ten-dimensional spacetime and in the regime of weak string coupling, where the dominant decay channel is into two states of masses M_1, M_2. We find that the lifetime surprisingly grows with the first power of the mass M: T =c \alpha' M. We also compute the decay rate for each values of M_1, M_2. We find that, for large M, the dynamics selects only special channels of decay: modulo processes which are exponentially suppressed, for every decay into a state of given mass M_1, the mass M_2 of the other state is uniquely determined.Comment: 22 pages, 4 figure

Anyon Mean Field as an Exact Limit of a Gauge Theory

We summarize a study of an Abelian gauge theory in 2+1 dimensions, the gauge field being coupled to nonrelativistic Fermions. The Action for the gauge field is a combination of the Maxwell term and a Chern-Simons (CS) term. We study the limit of vanishing Fermions' charge, keeping fixed the gauge field mass induced by the CS term. By considering a closed surface, in particular a torus to keep translational invariance, we show that the Fermions do not decouple completely from the gauge field, and in fact they behave as Anyons treated in the -translationally invariant formulation of the- Mean Field approximation. We describe the exact solution of this limiting case.Comment: 8 pages, LaTe

Thermodynamics of vortex lines in layered superconductors

We study the dissipative thermodynamics of vortex lines in layered superconductors within a simple string model in the dilute limit of negligible vortex interactions and compute the specific heat $C_v$ in presence of arbitrary dissipation. The interplay of dissipation, inertia and elasticity is shown to control the qualitative thermodynamical behavior and their relative amount determines two very distinct regimes for the specific heat. In the dissipation dominated case we find a behavior $C_v \sim \sqrt{T}$ for a large interval of temperature below $T_c$.Comment: 10 pages, RevTe

Explicit Modular Invariant Two-Loop Superstring Amplitude Relevant for R^4

In this note we derive an explicit modular invariant formula for the two loop 4-point amplitude in superstring theory in terms of a multiple integral (7 complex integration variables) over the complex plane which is shown to be convergent. We consider in particular the case of the leading term for vanishing momenta of the four graviton amplitude, which would correspond to the two-loop correction of the R^4 term in the effective Action. The resulting expression is not positive definite and could be zero, although we cannot see that it vanishes.Comment: 18 pages, the introduction (2.5 pages) is a comprehensive summary including the main resul

Evidence for Nonvanishing Cosmological Constant in NonSusy Superstring Models

We reanalyse the computation of the cosmological constant $\Lambda$ at two loops in recently proposed Superstring models without massless gravitini, both in the theta-function based formalism and by a detailed computation in the more explicit hyperelliptic description of the underlying genus two Riemann surface. $\Lambda$ is expressed as the integral over the surface moduli of an amplitude which is zero if susy is not completely broken, but we find it to be nonvanishing in the susy breaking models which can be given an explicitly workable fermionic formulation. Thus unfortunately the issue of getting realistic and perturbatively viable models from Superstring Theory remains open.Comment: 30 pages, Late

Semiclassical decay of strings with maximum angular momentum

We study the classical breaking of a highly excited (closed or open) string state on the leading Regge trajectory, represented by a rotating soliton solution, and we find the resulting solutions for the outgoing two pieces, describing two specific excited string states. This classical picture reproduces very accurately the precise analytical relation of the masses $M_1$ and $M_2$ of the decay products found in a previous quantum computation. The decay rate is naturally described in terms of a semiclassical formula. We also point out some interesting features of the evolution after the splitting process.Comment: 18 pages, latex, 7 figure