String lunch - Panagiotis Betzios Seminar

We revisit c=1 non-critical string theory and its formulation via Matrix Quantum Mechanics (MQM). In particular we study the theory on an S^1/Z_2 orbifold of Euclidean time and try to compute its partition function in the grand canonical ensemble that allows one to study the double scaling limit of the matrix model and connect the result to string theory (Liouville theory). En route, we take advantage of some beautiful mathematics related to Pfaffians and Elliptic functions. We also compare the partition function with the cases of the circle and the Euclidean 2d black hole. Finally, we will make some comments regarding the possibility of using this model as a toy model of a two dimensional big-bang big-crunch universe.