Non-geometric Backgrounds and the First Order String Sigma Model

We study the first order form of the NS string sigma model allowing for worldsheet couplings corresponding on the target space to a bi-vector, a two-form and an inverse metric. Lifting the topological sector of this action to three dimensions produces several Wess-Zumino like terms which encode the bi-vector generalization of the Courant bracket. This bracket may be familiar to physicists through the (Hijk, F k ij , Q jk i , R ijk) notation for non-geometric backgrounds introduced by Shelton-Taylor-Wecht. The nongeometricity of the string theory in encoded in the global properties of the bi-vector, when the bi-vector is a section then the string theory is geometric. Another interesting situation emerges when one considers membrane actions which are not equivalent to string theories on the boundary of the membrane. Such a situation arises when one attempts to describe the so-called R-space (the third T-dual of a T 3 with H3 flux). This model appears to be, at least classically, described by a membrane sigma model, not a string theory. Examples of geometric backgrounds with bi-vector couplings and non-vanishing Q-coefficients are provided by gauged WZW models. email address: [email protected]