On the Picture Dependence of Ramond-Ramond Cohomology

Abstract

Closed string physical states are BRST cohomology classes computed on the space of states annihilated by $b_0^{-}$. Since $b_0^{-}$ does not commute with the operations of picture changing, BRST cohomologies at different pictures need not agree. We show explicitly that Ramond-Ramond (RR) zero-momentum physical states are inequivalent at different pictures, and prove that non-zero momentum physical states are equivalent in all pictures. We find that D-brane states represent BRST classes that are nonpolynomial on the superghost zero modes, while RR gauge fields appear as polynomial BRST classes. We also prove that in $x$-cohomology, the cohomology where the zero mode of the spatial coordinates is included, there is a unique ghost-number one BRST class responsible for the Green-Schwarz anomaly, and a unique ghost number minus one BRST class associated with RR charge.

Added one footnote and five references

References in corpus (3)

• Introduction to string field theory
• Ramond-Ramond Central Charges in the Supersymmetry Algebra of the Superstring
• Type -B/ -O Bosonic String Sigma-Models

Cited by in corpus (11)

• Closed Superstring Field Theory and its Applications
• BV Master Action for Heterotic and Type II String Field Theories
• Vertex Operators for Closed Superstrings
• Gauge Invariant 1PI Effective Superstring Field Theory: Inclusion of the Ramond Sector
• Supersymmetry Restoration in Superstring Perturbation Theory
• Disc amplitudes, picture changing and space-time actions
• Non-local symmetries of the closed N=2 string
• Closed N=2 Strings: Picture-Changing, Hidden Symmetries and SDG Hierarchy
• BPS Algebras in 2D String Theory
• Fun with $F_{24}$
• Hidden Symmetries of the Open N=2 String