The string theory approach to generalized 2D Yang-Mills theory Original Research Article

We calculate the partition function of the SU(N) (and U(N)) generalized YM2 theory defined on an arbitrary Riemann surface. The result which is expressed as a sum over irreducible representations generalizes the Rusakov formula for ordinary YM2 theory. A diagrammatic expansion of the formula enables us to derive a Gross-Taylor-like stringy description of the model. A sum of 2D string maps is shown to reproduce the gauge theory results. Maps with branch points of degree higher than one, as well as “microscopic surfaces”, play an important role in the sum. We discuss the underlying string theory.