Abstract
We study the null orbifold singularity in 2+1 d flat space higher spin theory as well as string theory. Using the Chern-Simons formulation of 2+1 d Einstein gravity, we first observe that despite the singular nature of this geometry, the eigenvalues of its Chern-Simons holonomy are trivial. Next, we construct a resolution of the singularity in higher spin theory: a Kundt spacetime with vanishing scalar curvature invariants. We also point out that the UV divergences previously observed in the 2-to-2 tachyon tree level string amplitude on the null orbifold do not arise in the α′ → ∞ limit. We find all the divergences of the amplitude and demonstrate that the ones remaining in the tensionless limit are physical IR-type divergences. We conclude with a discussion on the meaning and limitations of higher spin (cosmological) singularity resolution and its potential connection to string theory.
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ArXiv ePrint: 1408.3296
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Kiran, K.S., Krishnan, C., Saurabh, A. et al. Strings vs. spins on the null orbifold. J. High Energ. Phys. 2014, 2 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP12(2014)002
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP12(2014)002