D-branes and Deformation Quantization

In this note we explain how world-volume geometries of D-branes can be reconstructed within the microscopic framework where D-branes are described through boundary conformal field theory. We extract the (non-commutative) world-volume algebras from the operator product expansions of open string vertex operators. For branes in a flat background with constant non-vanishing B-field, the operator products are computed perturbatively to all orders in the field strength. The resulting series coincides with Kontsevich's presentation of the Moyal product. After extending these considerations to fermionic fields we conclude with some remarks on the generalization of our approach to curved backgrounds.Comment: 12 pages, Late

Generalization of the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov-Equations

In this letter we introduce a generalization of the Knizhnik- Zamolodchikov equations from affine Lie algebras to a wide class of conformal field theories (not necessarily rational). The new equations describe correlations functions of primary fields and of a finite number of their descendents. Our proposal is based on Nahm's concept of small spaces which provide adequate substitutes for the lowest energy subspaces in modules of affine Lie algebras. We explain how to construct the first order differential equations and investigate properties of the associated connections, thereby preparing the grounds for an analysis of quantum symmetries. The general considerations are illustrated in examples of Virasoro minimal models.Comment: 13 pages, uses amssym

Boundary Correlators in Supergroup WZNW Models

We investigate correlation functions for maximally symmetric boundary conditions in the WZNW model on GL(1|1). Special attention is payed to volume filling branes. Generalizing earlier ideas for the bulk sector, we set up a Kac-Wakimoto-like formalism for the boundary model. This first order formalism is then used to calculate bulk-boundary 2-point functions and the boundary 3-point functions of the model. The note ends with a few comments on correlation functions of atypical fields, point-like branes and generalizations to other supergroups.Comment: 33 page

Nonhermitian transport effects in coupled-resonator optical waveguides

Coupled-resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) are known to have interesting and useful dispersion properties. Here, we study the transport in these waveguides in the general case where each resonator is open and asymmetric, i.e., is leaky and possesses no mirror-reflection symmetry. Each individual resonator then exhibits asymmetric backscattering between clockwise and counterclockwise propagating waves, which in combination with the losses induces non-orthogonal eigenmodes. In a chain of such resonators, the coupling between the resonators induces an additional source of non-hermiticity, and a complex band structure arises. We show that in this situation the group velocity of wave packets differs from the velocity associated with the probability density flux, with the difference arising from a non-hermitian correction to the Hellmann-Feynman theorem. Exploring these features numerically in a realistic scenario, we find that the complex band structure comprises almost-real branches and complex branches, which are joined by exceptional points, i.e., nonhermitian degeneracies at which not only the frequencies and decay rates coalesce but also the eigenmodes themselves. The non-hermitian corrections to the group velocity are largest in the regions around the exceptional points.Comment: 11 pages, 9 figure

Towards a Worldsheet Description of N=8 Supergravity

In this note we address the worldsheet description of 4-dimensional N=8 supergravity using ambitwistors. After gauging an appropriate current algebra, we argue that the only physical vertex operators correspond to the N=8 supermultiplet. It has previously been shown that worldsheet correlators give rise to supergravity tree level scattering amplitudes. We extend this work by proposing a definition for genus-one amplitudes that passes several consistency checks such as exhibiting modular invariance and reproducing the expected infrared behavior of 1-loop supergravity amplitudes.Comment: 6 page

On boundary RG-flows in coset conformal field theories

We propose a new rule for boundary renormalization group flows in fixed-point free coset models. Our proposal generalizes the 'absorption of boundary spin'-principle formulated by Affleck and Ludwig to a large class of perturbations in boundary conformal field theories. We illustrate the rule in the case of unitary minimal models.Comment: 3 pages, uses RevTeX

Helical scattering and valleytronics in bilayer graphene

We describe an angularly asymmetric interface-scattering mechanism which allows to spatially separate the electrons in the two low-energy valleys of bilayer graphene. The effect occurs at electrostatically defined interfaces separating regions of different pseudospin polarization, and is associated with the helical winding of the pseudospin vector across the interface, which breaks the reflection symmetry in each valley. Electrons are transmitted with a preferred direction of up to 60° over a large energetic range in one of the valleys, and down to −60° in the other. In a Y-junction geometry, this can be used to create and detect valley polarization