Higher order couplings from heterotic orbifold theory Original Research Article

We calculate couplings of arbitrary order from correlation functions among twisted strings, using conformal field theory. Twisted strings arise in heterotic string compactified on orbifolds yielding matter fields in the low energy limit. We calculate completely the classical and the quantum amplitude including normalization, up to a contribution from Kähler potential. The classical action has saddle points which are interpreted as worldsheet instantons described by metastable untwisted strings, formed by twisted strings distributed at certain fixed points. This understanding generalizes the area rule, in the case that the locations of twisted strings do not form a polygon, and provides a general rule for calculating these kinds of instanton corrections. An interpretation of couplings involving linearly combined states is given, which commonly appear in non-prime order orbifolds. The quantum part of the amplitude is given by ratios of gamma functions with order one arguments.