Higher-Dimensional Loop Algebras, Non-Abelian Extensions and p-Branes

Abstract

We postulate a new type of operator algebra with a non-abelian extension. This algebra generalizes the Kac--Moody algebra in string theory and the Mickelsson--Faddeev algebra in three dimensions to higher-dimensional extended objects ($p$-branes). We then construct new BRST operators, covariant derivatives and curvature tensors in the higher-dimensional generalization of loop space.

(published version, extended introduction), 35 pp.(LaTeX), Goteborg ITP-93-37