An operator formulation of orbifold conformal field theory

In many applications of conformal field theory one encounters twisted conformal fields, i.e. fields which have branch cut singularities on the relevant Riemann surfaces. We present a geometrical framework describing twisted conformal fields on Riemann surfaces of arbitrary genus which is alternative to the standard method of coverings. We further illustrate the theory of twisted Grassmannians and its relation with the representation theory of the twisted oscillator algebras. As an application of the above, we expound an operator formalism for orbifold strings. (orig.)