Renormalization-group flows and charge transmutation in string theory

Abstract

We analyze the behaviour of heterotic squashed-Wess-Zumino-Witten backgrounds under renormalization-group flow. The flows we consider are driven by perturbation creating extra gauge fluxes. We show how the conformal point acts as an attractor from both the target-space and world-sheet points of view. We also address the question of instabilities created by the presence of closed time-like curves in string backgrounds

Based on a talk given by D.O. at the RTN meeting "Constituents, Fundamental Forces and symmetries of the Universe'' in Corfu, Greece, 20-26 September 2005