ONE-LOOP RENORMALIZATION OF HIGHER-DERIVATIVE 2D DILATION GRAVITY

A theory of higher-derivative 2D dilaton gravity which has its roots i n the massive higher-spin mode dynamics of string theory is suggested. The divergences of the effective action to one-loop are calculated, b oth in the covariant and in the conformal gauge. Some technical proble ms which appear in the calculations are discussed. An interpretation o f the theory as a particular D = 2 higher-derivative sigma-model is gi ven. For a specific case of higher-derivative 2D dilaton gravity, whic h is one loop multiplicatively renormalizable, static configurations c orresponding to black holes are shown to exist.