Asymptotic symmetries of string theory on AdS 3 × S 3 with Ramond-Ramond fluxes

Abstract

String theory on AdS 3 space-times with boundary conditions that allow for black hole states has global asymptotic symmetries which include an infinite dimensional conformal algebra. Using the conformal current algebra for sigma-models on PSU(1,1|2), we explicitly construct the R-symmetry and Virasoro charges in the worldsheet theory describing string theory on AdS 3 × S 3 with Ramond-Ramond fluxes. We also indicate how to construct the full boundary superconformal algebra. The boundary superconformal algebra plays an important role in classifying the full spectrum of string theory on AdS 3 with Ramond-Ramond fluxes, and in the microscopic entropy counting in D1-D5 systems. © 2009 SISSA.