Strings from tachyons: The c=1 matrix reloaded

Apr, 2003
29 pages
Published in:
  • JHEP 12 (2003) 054
e-Print:
Report number:
  • PUPT-2083

Citations per year

200320082013201820230204060
Abstract:
We propose a new interpretation of the c=1 matrix model as the world-line theory of N unstable D-particles, in which the hermitian matrix is provided by the non- abelian open string tachyon. For D-particles in 1+1-d string theory, we find a direct quantitative match between the closed string emission due to a rolling tachyon and that due to a rolling eigenvalue in the matrix model. We explain the origin of the double-scaling limit, and interpret it as an extreme representative of a large equivalence class of dual theories. Finally, we define a concrete decoupling limit of unstable D-particles in IIB string theory that reduces to the c=1 matrix model, suggesting that 1+1-d string theory represents the near-horizon limit of an ultra-dense gas of IIB D-particles.
  • string model
  • dimension: 2
  • matrix model
  • central charge: 1
  • tachyon
  • D-particle
  • renormalization group
  • expansion 1/N
  • duality
  • effective potential