Strings from Almost Nothing
Abstract
We argue that string theory emerges inevitably from a few simple assumptions about physical scattering. Consistency alone requires that all tree-level four-point scattering amplitudes exhibit vanishing residues at prescribed values of the momentum transfer. Assuming ultrasoft high-energy behavior, we then prove that the space of minimally consistent amplitudes, whose residues exhibit these mandated zeros and nothing more, collapses uniquely onto the celebrated Veneziano and Virasoro-Shapiro amplitudes of string theory. Similar logic also applies to five-point scattering.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Diverse Musicological Studies
Science Education and Perceptions
Gene expression and cancer classification
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review Letters
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 136
- Issue
- 25
- Pages
- 251601–251601
- Publication date
- 2 April 2026
- Language
- EN