Expectation values, Lorentz invariance, and $\text{CPT}$ in the open bosonic string

Abstract

The issue of spontaneous breaking of Lorentz and CPT invariance is studied in the open bosonic string using a truncation scheme to saturate the string-field action at successively higher levels. We find strong evidence for the existence of extrema of the action with nonzero expectation values for certain fields. The Lorentz- and CPT-preserving solution previously suggested in the literature is confirmed through level 12 in the action. A family of Lorentz-breaking, CPT-preserving solutions of the equations of motion is found to persist and converge through level 18 in the action. Two sequences of solutions spontaneously breaking both Lorentz invariance and CPT are discussed. The analysis at this level involves the analytical form of over 20,000 terms in the static potential.