The broken string in anti-de Sitter space

This paper describes an efficient method for solving the classical string equations of motion in (2+1)-dimensional anti-de Sitter spacetime. Exact string solutions are identified that are the analogs of piecewise linear strings in flat space. They can be used to approximate any smooth string motion to arbitrary accuracy. Cusps on the string move with the speed of light and their collisions are described by a Picard-Lefschetz-type formula. Explicit examples are shown with the string ending on two boundary quarks. The technique is ideally suited for numerical simulations. A Mathematica notebook that has been used to generate the relevant figures is also included.