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Homotopy Algebras in Higher Spin Theory

Motivated by string field theory, we explore various algebraic aspects of higher spin theory and Vasiliev equation in terms of homotopy algebras. We present a systematic study of unfolded formulation developed for the higher spin equation in terms of the Maurer-Cartan equation associated to differential forms valued in L-infinity algebras. The elimination of auxiliary variables of Vasiliev equation is analyzed through homological perturbation theory. This leads to a closed combinatorial graph formula for all the vertices of higher spin equations in the unfolded formulation. We also discover a topological quantum mechanics model whose correlation functions give deformed higher spin vertices at first order.