Introduction to Conformal Field Theory

Abstract

This chapter is an introduction to conformal field theory (CFT) which is the basic tool for studying world-sheet properties of string theory. First, we discuss CFT defined on the complex plane, which is relevant for closed strings at tree level. As an application, we then discuss the CFT of a free boson, i.e. string theory in flat space. Finally, we discuss boundary conformal field theory relevant for describing open strings ending on D-branes and non-oriented strings in orientifolds. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.