Tadpole equations are mathematical equations that describe the behavior of quantum fields in superstring theory. They are used to study the interactions between particles in a quantum field theory.
The term "tadpole" is used to describe the shape of the Feynman diagrams that represent these equations. The diagrams have a loop with a single line coming out, resembling a tadpole.
The term was first used by physicist John H. Schwarz in a paper published in 1974.
Tadpole equations are used to study the properties and interactions of strings, which are the fundamental building blocks of superstring theory. They help to understand the behavior of these strings in different scenarios and lead to the development of new theories and models.
Yes, tadpole equations are still a topic of active research in the field of string theory and quantum field theory. They are used to study different aspects of these theories and have been extended to higher dimensions and more complex scenarios.