Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 1201.0762

D-brane anomaly inflow revisited

Abstract

Axial and gravitational anomaly of field theories, when embedded in string theory, must be accompanied by canceling inflow. We give a self-contained overview for various world-volume theories, and clarify the role of smeared magnetic sources in I-brane/D-brane cases. The proper anomaly descent of the source, as demanded by regularity of RR field strengths H's, turns out to be an essential ingredient. We show how this allows correct inflow to be generated for all such theories, including self-dual cases, and also that the mechanism is now insensitive to the choice between the two related but inequivalent forms of D-brane Chern-Simons couplings. In particular, SO(6)_R axial anomaly of d=4 maximal SYM is canceled by the inflow onto D3-branes via the standard minimal coupling to C_4. We also propose how, for the anomaly cancelation, the four types of Orientifold planes should be coupled to the spacetime curvatures, of which conflicting claims existed previously.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Heeyeon Kim, Piljin Yi. 2012-02-07. D-brane anomaly inflow revisited. https://doi.org/10.1007/jhep02(2012)012

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Introduction to Generalized Symmetries

These notes were prepared for a series of intensive lectures delivered at Hokkaido University, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, and Kyushu University. We begin with a brief review of higher-form symmetries, anomalies, and discrete gauge theories, before introducing non-invertible symmetries in $(1+1)$-dimensional systems. The basic structure of fusion categories is then discussed, including a discussion of categorical analogs of discrete gauging and representation theory. We subsequently turn to $(3+1)$-dimensional theories, where several physical applications of non-invertible symmetries are discussed. These notes are intended to be largely self-contained, and require no prior familiarity with subjects such as conformal field theory or lattice models.

hep-th

Planar loop integrands from cuts in $D$ dimensions

We present a direct reconstruction formula for planar loop integrands from $D$-dimensional generalized unitarity cuts in any colored theory. The reconstruction combinatorics is separated from the theory-dependent tree amplitudes entering the cuts: for the $L$-loop $n$-point color-ordered amplitude, the integrand is expressed as a sum over admissible non-scaleless scalar graphs dressed by corresponding cuts in $D$ dimensions; the coefficients are given by the universal Möbius-inversion formula of the refinement poset, or equivalently one minus the Euler characteristics of associated complexes. As an application we write down closed-formulas for loop integrands in pure Yang--Mills theory, where the required cuts are generated by gluing $D$-dimensional tree amplitudes and summing over internal gluon states. We also use the two-loop five-point case as a validation, comparing with known integrand data and after integration-by-parts reduction, with known integrated helicity amplitudes. The same framework also produces compact cut-organized data for larger examples, including the two-loop six-point and three-loop four-point cases. We also describe the corresponding simplification in maximally supersymmetric Yang--Mills theory, where the absence of bubble and triangle subgraphs reduces the relevant cut poset substantially.

hep-th

Free Field Realization of $\mathcal{W}$-Algebra Associated with Exceptional Lie Algebras

We study the free field realization of the $\mathcal{W}$-algebra associated with the exceptional Lie algebras $E_6$, $E_7$, $E_8$, and $F_4$. We develop a recursive construction in which a $\mathcal{W}$-algebra of rank $r$ is obtained from a $\mathcal{W}$-algebra of rank $r-1$ together with a free boson. The $\mathcal{W}$-currents are constructed from the zero commutation relation with the screening charges. The $\mathcal{W}E_6/\mathcal{W}E_7$ algebra is constructed from the $\mathcal{W}D_5/\mathcal{W}D_6$ algebra and is shown to be the same as that realized from the $\mathcal{W}A_5/\mathcal{W}E_6$ algebra, up to a change of the free field basis. The spin-$8$ generator of the $\mathcal{W}E_8$ algebra is built from the $\mathcal{W}D_7$ algebra. The recursive construction of the $\mathcal{W}BC_r$ algebras is also studied. We then realize the $\mathcal{W}F_4$ algebra based on the $\mathcal{W}BC_3$ algebra. Furthermore, the $\mathcal{W}$-charges of the generators of the $\mathcal{W}E_{6,7}$, $\mathcal{W}BC_{2,3}$, and $\mathcal{W}F_4$ algebras are calculated and expressed in terms of the Casimir invariants.

hep-th