IAS Physics Group Meeting

Abstract: A remarkably simple idea makes it possible to put global positive coordinates on moduli spaces of curves. I will give an update on recent developments in understanding these coordinates and applying them moduli space integrals. Interesting applications include string integrals, and their alpha' expansions, as well as volumes and matrix-model-like functions. Moreover this positive perspective defines a new type of `tropical Moduli space' and `tropical Torelli map' that computes matrix model partition functions and contributions to amplitudes.