Bosonic Strings and their Verma modules

1. Apr 1, 2015

Korybut

Hi there!

I have som troubles with representation theory.
It is obvious that bosonic strings fields $X^{\mu}$ has zero conformal dimension $h=0$. But when one builds Verma module (open string for example) highest weight state has the following definition
$$L_0 \vert h \rangle = 1 \vert h \rangle$$

All descendants states have even higher grading with respect to $L_0$. This shift is necessary for the absence or spurious states (negative norm).

How Verma module with $h=1$ coonected to open bosonic string with $h=0$?

2. Apr 1, 2015

Korybut

If Virasoro algebra has not central charge, Verma modules with $h=1$ and $h=0$ are in some sense equivalent
$$\vert 1 \rangle = L_+ \vert 0 \rangle,$$
where
$$L_0 \vert 0\rangle =0 \;\; L_0 \vert 1 \rangle=-\vert 1 \rangle$$
Applying lowering operators $L_-$
$$L_- L_+ \vert 0\rangle = (L_- L_+ - 2L_0) \vert 0 \rangle =0$$
State $\vert 1 \rangle$ is highest weight state from this simple exercise. But when Virasoro algebra has non-trivial central extension state $\vert 0 \rangle$ will apper in spectrum