Electric Black Holes in Type 0 String Theory

We discuss AdS_{2+1} (BTZ) black holes arising in type 0 string theory corresponding to D1-D5 and F1-NS5 bound states. In particular we describe a new family of non-dilatonic solutions with only Dp_{+}, that is ``electric'' branes. These solutions are distinguished by the absence of fermions in the world volume theory which is an interacting CFT. They can not be obtained as a projection of a type II BPS-configuration. As for previous type 0 backgrounds linear stability is guaranteed only if the curvature is of the order of the string scale where alpha' corrections cannot be excluded. Some problems concerning the counting of states are discussed.Comment: some clarifications in section

Quasi Normal Modes

We review different applications of quasinormal modes to black hole physics, string theory and thermalisation in quantum field theory. In particular, we describe the the relation between quasi normal modes of AdS black holes and the time scale for thermalisation in strongly coupled, large $N$ conformal field theory. We also discuss the problem of unitarity within this approach.Comment: Talk given at 36th International Symposium Ahrenshoop on the Theory of Elementary Particles: Recent Developments in String/M-Theory and Field Theory, Berlin, Germany, 26-30 Aug 2003, to appear in Fortsch.Phy

Formation of Black Holes in Topologically Massive Gravity

We present an exact solution in 3-dimensional topologically massive gravity with negative cosmological constant which dynamically interpolates between a past horizon and a chiral AdS pp-wave. Similarly, upon time reversal, one obtains an AdS pp-wave with a future event horizonComment: Improved presentation. Extended discussion of linear stability and regularity of the metric. Added reference

Open Superstring Field Theory on the Restricted Hilbert Space

Recently an action for open superstring field theory was proposed where the Neveu-Schwarz sector is formulated in the large Hilbert space while the Ramond sector lives in a restriction of the small Hilbert space. The purpose of this note is to clarify the relation of the restricted Hilbert space with other approaches and to formulate open superstring field theory entirely in the small Hilbert space.Comment: 10 page