u-Deformed WZW Model and Its Gauging

We consider gauged WZW models based on a four dimensional non-semi-simple group. We obtain conformal $\s$-models in $D=3$ spacetime dimensions (with exact central charge $c=3$) by axially and vectorially gauging a one-dimensional subgroup. The model obtained in the axial gauging is related to the $3D$ black string after a correlated limit is taken in the latter model. By identifying the CFT corresponding to these $\s$-models we compute the exact expressions for the metric and...

We study two-dimensional WZW models with target space a nonreductive Lie group. Such models exist whenever the Lie group possesses a bi-invariant metric. We show that such WZW models provide a lagrangian description of the nonreductive (affine) Sugawara construction. We investigate the gauged WZW models and we prove that gauging a diagonal subgroup results in a conformal field theory which can be identified with a coset construction. A large class of exact four-dimensional st...

We present an effective quantum action for the gauged WZW model $G_{-k}/H_{-k}$. It is conjectured that it is valid to all orders of the central extension $(-k)$ on the basis that it reproduces the exact spacetime geometry of the zero modes that was previously derived in the algebraic Hamiltonian formalism. Besides the metric and dilaton, the new results that follow from this approach include the exact axion field and the solution of the geodesics in the exact geometry. It is...

As shown by Witten the N=1 supersymmetric gauged WZW model based on a group G has an extended N=2 supersymmetry if the gauged subgroup H is so chosen that G/H is Kahler. We extend Witten's result and prove that the N=1 supersymmetric gauged WZW models over G X U(1) are actually invariant under N=4 superconformal transformations if the gauged subgroup H is such that G/HXSU(2) is a quaternionic symmetric space. A previous construction of "maximal" N=4 superconformal algebras wi...

We present a conformal field theory which desribes a homogeneous four dimensional Lorentz-signature space-time. The model is an ungauged WZW model based on a central extension of the Poincar\'e algebra. The central charge of this theory is exactly four, just like four dimensional Minkowski space. The model can be interpreted as a four dimensional monochromatic plane wave. As there are three commuting isometries, other interesting geometries are expected to emerge via $O(3,3)$...

We consider the standard vector and chiral gauged WZNW models by their gauged maximal null subgroups and show that they can be mapped to each other by a special transformation. We give an explicit expression for the map in the case of the classical Lie groups $ A_N $, $ B_N $, $ C_N $, $ D_N $, and note its connection with the duality map for the Riemmanian globally symmetric spaces.

We modify the $SL(2,{\bf R})/U(1)$ WZW theory, which was shown to describe strings in a 2D black hole, to be invariant under chiral $U(1)$ gauge symmetry by introducing a Steukelberg field. We impose several interesting gauge conditions for the chiral $U(1)$ symmetry. In a paticular gauge the theory is found to be reduced to the Liouville theory coupled to the $c=1$ matter perturbed by the so-called black hole mass operator. Also we discuss the physical states in the models b...

Poisson-Lie T-duality in N=2 superconformal WZNW models on the real Lie groups is considered. It is shown that Poisson-Lie T-duality is governed by the complexifications of the corresponding real groups endowed with Semenov-Tian-Shansky symplectic forms, i.e. Heisenberg doubles. Complex Heisenberg doubles are used to define on the group manifolds of the N=2 superconformal WZNW models the natural actions of the isotropic complex subgroups forming the doubles. It is proved that...

We show that several WZW coset models can be obtained by applying O(d,d) symmetry transformations (referred to as twisting) on WZW models. This leads to a conjecture that WZW models gauged by U(1)^n subgroup can be obtained by twisting (ungauged) WZW models. In addition, a class of solutions that describe charged black holes in four dimensions is derived by twisting SL(2,R)\times SU(2) WZW.

We consider the integrability of a two-parameter deformation of the Wess-Zumino-Witten model, previously introduced in relation with Poisson-Lie T-duality. The resulting family of Poisson-Lie dual models is shown to be integrable by using the Maillet r/s formalism.