Quantum Global Strings and Their Correlation Functions

A full quantum description of global vortex strings is presented in the framework of a pure Higgs system with a broken global U(1) symmetry in 3+1D. An explicit expression for the string creation operator is obtained, both in terms of the Higgs field and in the dual formulation where a Kalb-Ramond antisymmetric tensor gauge field is employed as the basic field. The quantum string correlation function is evaluated and from this, the string energy density is obtained. Potential application in cosmology (cosmic strings) and condensed matter (vortices in superfluids) are discussed.Comment: 14 pages, latex, no figure

Statistical transmutation of quantum bosonic strings coupled to general four-dimensional Chern-Simons theory

A bosonic string coupled to the generalized Chern-Simons theory in 3+1D acquires a magnetic field along itself, when it is closed, and a topological charge at its extremity, when it is open. We construct the creation operators for the full quantum field states associated to these strings and determine the dual algebra satisfied by them. We show that the creation operator fo the composite state of a quantum closed bosonic string, bearing a magnetic flux, and a topologically charged open bosonic string, possesses generalized statistics. The relation of our results with previous approaches to the problem is also established.Comment: 4 pages, Revtex

Les Houches lectures on matrix models and topological strings

In these lecture notes for the Les Houches School on Applications of Random Matrices in Physics we give an introduction to the connections between matrix models and topological strings. We first review some basic results of matrix model technology and then we focus on type B topological strings. We present the main results of Dijkgraaf and Vafa describing the spacetime string dynamics on certain Calabi-Yau backgrounds in terms of matrix models, and we emphasize the connection to geometric transitions and to large N gauge/string duality. We also use matrix model technology to analyze large N Chern-Simons theory and the Gopakumar-Vafa transition.Comment: 63 pages, 8 figures, minor correction

Show Me the Money: The CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure Rule and the Quest for Effective Executive Compensation Reform

This Note discusses past attempts to combat growing levels of executive compensation, analyzes the role of both shareholders and directors in the compensation-setting process, and discusses conflicting views concerning shareholder-director power, the disclosure mechanism, and the pay-ratio metric. Finally, this Note balances these views by proposing alterations to the CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure Rule that preserve the long-standing corporate structure, while also offering shareholders an accountability mechanism to enhance the Rule’s intended results

On the BV formulation of boundary superstring field theory

We propose a Batalin-Vilkovisky (BV) formulation of boundary superstring field theory. The superstring field action is defined in terms of a closed one-form in the space of couplings, and we compute it explicitly for exactly solvable tachyon perturbations. We also argue that the superstring field action defined in this way is the partition function on the disc, in accord with a previous proposal.Comment: 11 pages, harvma

"Is he crazy?": Students "encounter" confrontational evangelism at ISU

This project investigates ???confrontational evangelism??? on the ISU quad by Brother Jed, the founder and president of the Campus Ministry USA, and the students??? responses. The author asks the following questions: How does the Brother Jed ???encounter??? affect students??? perceptions of religion and faith? How do these perceptions reflect on other students? How do students approach religious and/or ideological conflict? On the basis of seven interviews and participant observation, this research shows that Brother Jed???s provocative statements stimulated a wide variety of responses from students with different backgrounds and interests.unpublishe

Chern-Simons Theory and Topological Strings

We review the relation between Chern-Simons gauge theory and topological string theory on noncompact Calabi-Yau spaces. This relation has made possible to give an exact solution of topological string theory on these spaces to all orders in the string coupling constant. We focus on the construction of this solution, which is encoded in the topological vertex, and we emphasize the implications of the physics of string/gauge theory duality for knot theory and for the geometry of Calabi-Yau manifolds.Comment: 46 pages, RMP style, 25 figures, minor corrections, references adde

On the nonradiating motion of point charges

We investigate the possible existence of nonradiating motions of systems of point charges, according to classical electrodynamics with retarded potentials. We prove that two point particles of arbitrary electric charges cannot move for an infinitely long time within a finite region of space without radiating electromagnetic energy. We show however with an example that nonradiating accelerated motions of systems of point charges do in general exist.Comment: 10 pages. Revised version with minor correction