World-sheets, manifolds, and coordinate systems

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the manifold properties of world-sheets in string theory, specifically the relationship between space-time coordinates (xμ) and the 2D surface parameterized by (σ,τ). It is established that while world-sheets are manifolds that can be locally Euclidean, the coordinates themselves (xμ and (σ,τ)) should not be described as "Euclidean." Instead, the focus should be on the manifold's ability to be expressed locally with a Euclidean metric. This distinction is crucial for understanding the underlying principles of manifold theory as it relates to string theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of string theory concepts, particularly world-sheets
  • Familiarity with manifold theory and its properties
  • Knowledge of local Euclidean metrics in mathematical contexts
  • Basic grasp of Quantum Field Theory, especially as it pertains to point particles and strings
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of manifolds in string theory, focusing on world-sheet dynamics
  • Explore local Euclidean metrics and their applications in manifold theory
  • Read "Quantum Field Theory of Point Particles and Strings" by Brian Hatfield for insights on manifold theory
  • Investigate the mathematical foundations of string theory, particularly the role of coordinates in manifolds
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, mathematicians, and students of theoretical physics who are interested in the intersection of string theory and manifold theory, particularly those looking to deepen their understanding of world-sheets and their properties.

Mike2
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I'm trying to understand the manifold properties of world-sheets in string theory. I'm told that world sheets are manifolds and that manifolds are locally Euclidean. So I would like to know the characteristics between the space-time coordinates of the world-sheet given as xμ verses the 2D surface parameterized by (σ,τ). Are xμ locally Euclidean? Are the coordinates (σ,τ) locally Euclidean? Remember xμ are functions of the parameters (σ,τ) or xμ=xμ(σ,τ) which defines a surface in space-time. How does this all relate to manifold theory?

Thanks.
 
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Originally posted by Ambitwistor
It doesn't make sense to say whether coordinates (such as the embedding spacetime coordinates xμ or the worldsheet coordinates (σ,τ)) are "Euclidean". Manifolds are Euclidean, not coordinates.

This probably explains why there is a whole chapter in Quantum Field Theory of Point Particles and Strings, by Brian Hatfield about manifold theory, but he never seems to make the connection with world-sheets. I could be wrong. I only skimmed it. I don't have it memorized.

Is it more accurate to say that manifolds CAN BE expressed locally with a euclidean metric?
 

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