Perturbative BPS algebras in superstring theory

Abstract This paper investigates the algebraic structure that exists on perturbative BPS states in the superstring, compactified on the product of a circle and a Calabi-Yau fourfold. This structure was defined in a recent article by Harvey and Moore. It is shown that for a toroidal compactification this algebra is related to a generalized Kac-Moody algebra. The BPS algebra itself is not a Lie algebra. However, it turns out to be possible to construct a Lie algebra with the same graded dimensions, in terms of a half-twisted model. The dimensions of these algebras are related to the elliptic genus of the transverse part of the string algebra. Finally, the construction is applied to an orbifold compactification of the superstring.