A geometric generalization of field theory to manifolds of arbitrary dimension

We introduce a generalization of the O(N) field theory to N-colored membran es of arbitrary inner dimension D. The O(N) model is obtained for D --> 1, while N --> 0 leads to self-avoiding tethered membranes (as the O(N) model reduces to self-avoiding polymers). The model is studied perturbatively by a 1-loop renormalization group analysis, and exactly as N --> infinity. Fre edom to choose the expansion point D, leads to precise estimates of critica l exponents of the O(N) model. Insights gained from this generalization inc lude a conjecture on the nature of droplets dominating the 3d-Ising model a t criticality; and the fixed point governing the random bond Ising model.