Is Anomaly Cancellation Covered in Zweibach's Book on String Theory?

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SUMMARY

Anomaly cancellation is thoroughly discussed in Zweibach's "String Theory" second edition, specifically in section 12.5. The topic is also covered in the Green-Schwarz-Witten (GSW) book in sections 3.1 and 2.3. The analysis of the equations of motion (EOM) using lightcone gauge reveals the necessity of reviewing the Lorentz algebra, which remains valid under specific conditions related to the normal ordering constant and the spacetime dimension. Notably, selecting three spacetime dimensions effectively circumvents the anomaly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with string theory fundamentals
  • Understanding of lightcone gauge analysis
  • Knowledge of Lorentz algebra
  • Basic concepts of anomaly cancellation in theoretical physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the details of anomaly cancellation in Zweibach's "String Theory" second edition, section 12.5
  • Review the Green-Schwarz-Witten (GSW) book, focusing on sections 3.1 and 2.3
  • Explore the implications of lightcone gauge on equations of motion in string theory
  • Investigate the role of normal ordering constants in maintaining Lorentz covariance
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, string theorists, and advanced students seeking to deepen their understanding of anomaly cancellation and its implications in string theory.

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Where can I read the technical issue Leonard Susskind is talking in the next talk in 3:36?

Is it discussed in Zweibach's book?

 
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In every string theory book. In gsw it is in section 3.1 and 2.3. Zwiebachs second edition treats it in detail in 12.5.
 
Btw, he is talking about anomaly cancellation. One way to see it is when you use the lightcone gauge to analyse the EOM. After that you have to review the Lorentz algebra, because your treatment is not Lorentz-covariant explicitly. The Lorentz algebra is retained iff you impose certain conditions on the normal ordering constant and the spacetime dimension.

Note that choosing three spacetime dimensions also circumvents this anomaly.
 

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