Tachyon condensation in open string field theory and the {u03B2}{u03B3} conformal field theory

Abstract

In this thesis an attempt is made to formulate Schnabl's analytic solution of the string field theory equations in terms of the {u03B2}{u03B3} CFT. Such background-dependent solutions may be useful for the construction of tachyon lump solutions. Using the Schnabl solution's explicit description in terms of coordinate-transformed Vira{u00AD}soro and ghost operators to try to do this leads to severe difficulties. Possible explanations for the cause of these problems are discussed, along with some suggestions for how to overcome them. This thesis also contains a review of the construction of Schnabl's solution as well as open string field theory more generally.