Limits of Matrix Theory in Curved Space

Ph. Brax, T. Wynter

Published 1998-06-20, updated 1998-07-07Version 2

We study curved space versions of matrix string theory taking as a definition of the theory a gauged matrix sigma model. By analyzing the divergent terms in the loop expansion for the effective action we reduce the problem to a simple matrix generalization of the standard string theory beta function calculation. It is then demonstrated that the model can only be consistent for Ricci flat manifolds with vanishing six-dimensional Euler density.