Intertwining operator and integrable hierarchies from topological strings

Abstract

Abstract In [1], Nakatsu and Takasaki have shown that the melting crystal model behind the topological strings vertex provides a tau-function of the KP hierarchy after an appropriate time deformation. We revisit their derivation with a focus on the underlying quantum W1+∞ symmetry. Specifically, we point out the role played by automorphisms and the connection with the intertwiner — or vertex operator — of the algebra. This algebraic perspective allows us to extend part of their derivation to the refined melting crystal model, lifting the algebra to the quantum toroidal algebra of $$ \mathfrak{gl} $$ gl (1) (also called Ding-Iohara-Miki algebra). In this way, we take a first step toward the definition of deformed hierarchies associated to A-model refined topological strings.