Covariant quantization of string based on BRS invariance

Covariant canonical quantization of the bosonic string is performed, based on the BRS invariance principle. Defining a physical state by a modified form of Kugo-Ojima's subsidiary condition Q_B|phys〉 = 0 (Q_B = BRS charge), we prove a no-ghost theorem in a simple manner. There an interesting relation between critical dimension and BRS symmetry is noticed; namely, the conditions D = 26 and α₀ = 1 for the space-time dimension D and the zero-intercept α₀ of leading trajectory are required by the nilpotency Q_B² = 0 of the BRS charge. In addition, ghost number fractionization is observed in this system.