Classical and quantum massive string Original Research Article

The classical and the quantum massive string model based on a modified BDHP action is analyzed in the range of dimensions 1 < d < 25. The discussion concerning classical theory includes a formulation of the geometrical variational principle, a phase-space description of the two-dimensional dynamics, and a detailed analysis of the target space geometry of classical solutions. The model is quantized using the “old” covariant method. In particular an appropriate construction of DDF operators is given and the no-ghost theorem is proved. For a critical value of one of the free parameters of the model the quantum theory acquires an extra symmetry not present on the classical level. In this case the quantum model is equivalent to the non-critical Polyakov string and to the old Fairlie-Chodos-Thorn massive string.