The conventional quantization of w3-strings gives theories which are equivalent to special cases of bosonic strings. We explore whether a more general quantization can lead to new generalized W3-string theories by seeking to construct quantum BRST charges directly without requiring the existence of a quantum W3-algebra. We study W3-like strings with a direct space-time interpretation — that is, with matter given by explicit free field realizations. Special emphasis is placed on the attempt to construct a quantum W-string associated with the magic realizations of the classical w3-algebra. We give the general conditions for the existence of W3-like strings, and comment on how the known results fit into our general construction. Our results are negative: we find no new consistent string theories, and in particular rule out the possibility of critical strings based on the magic realizations.
GENERALIZED W3-STRINGS FROM FREE FIELDS
