Semi-local quantum criticality in string/M-theory

Abstract

Semi-local quantum critical behaviour in $D-1$ spacetime dimensions can be holographically described by metrics that are conformal to $AdS_2\times\mathbb{R}^{D-2}$, with the conformal factor characterised by a parameter $η$. We analyse such "$η$-geometries" in a top-down setting by focussing on the $U(1)^4$ truncation of D=4 N=8 gauged supergravity. The model has extremal black hole solutions carrying three non-zero electric or magnetic charges which approach $AdS_4$ in the UV and an $η=1$ geometry in the IR. Adding a fourth charge provides a mechanism to resolve the singularity of the $η$-geometry, replacing it with an $AdS_2\times\mathbb{R}^2$ factor in the IR, while maintaining a large region where the $η$-geometry scaling is approximately valid. Some of the magnetically charged black hole solutions preserve supersymmetry while others just preserve it in the IR. Finally, we show that $η$-geometries, with various values of $η$, can be obtained from the dimensional reduction of geometries consisting of $AdS$ or Lifshitz geometries with flat directions.