The quantization of the relativistic string (Q5895490)

The paper proposes an alternative quantization of the relativistic string. It starts with an extensive presentation of the Hamiltonian dynamics of the open and closed strings and its different reparametrizations and gauge conditions. Then it proceeds with the quantization of the open string with emphasis on the construction of its quantum states. Rohrlich's Lorentz invariant gauge conditions on the physical states are employed, but they do not eliminate all gauge freedom. It is found that the center of mass coordinates of the string are not realized as operators on the physical Hilbert space; instead, they are used to reduce the remaining gauge freedom. Constraints and gauge conditions are treated symmetrically and the constructed string states are annihilated by both. String interactions are not considered.