Quantization of coset space \(\sigma\)-models coupled to two-dimensional gravity (Q1270177)

The authors present a consistent general mathematical framework for an exact quantization of a class of models that admit the formulation as a coset space \(\sigma\)-model coupled to two-dimensional dilaton gravity. Such models are obtained after dimensional reduction. So far the formalism was developed for the simplified models, where the coset space had been replaced by the group itself. The main idea of the approach consists in the introduction of new fundamental variables which allow complete decoupling of the ``right'' and ``left'' moving sectors. Then the sectors are quantized independently within the generalized ``two-time'' Hamiltonian formalism. The canonical description requires the Dirac procedure for constrained systems. It allows to effectively reduce the too large phase space of the coset model. The isomonodromic sector is analyzed completely and the continuous extension is sketched. Exact quantum states (solutions to the corresponding Wheeler-DeWitt equations) are shown to be in the correspondence to the solutions of a modified (coset-)Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov system. The authors keep the formalism general as long as possible, avoiding restriction to the simple pole sector. Identification of the classical and quantum observables is performed in great detail. Presentation is given along the following lines: Principal \(\sigma\)-model coupled to two-dimensional dilaton gravity, Quantization of the principal model, Coset model, Outlook.