Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 1702.00939

Weak Coupling Limits and Colliding Punctures in Class-S Theories

Abstract

Class-S theories are four-dimensional N=2 supersymmetric field theories constructed by the reduction of a (2,0) six-dimensional theory on a punctured Riemann surface C (called the UV curve). A basic degeneration limit of the surface C is when several punctures are brought close to each other. As this happens, a long tube appears in C and a weakly coupled gauge group emerges. When the corresponding gauge coupling is turned off, we are left with two surfaces. This decoupling leads to a unique result. We explain how to fix the gauge group that becomes weakly coupled and the resulting two theories, in terms of the types of punctures on the surface C. Each of the resulting theories is given in terms of a class-S theory (plus possibly additional free hypermultiplets). Many other more complicated degeneration limits can be described by repeatedly using this specification. For questions about weak coupling limits in such theories, it is useful to consider the set of punctures that can appear at the end of a tube. These are the punctures that are created in the resulting surfaces when the gauge coupling is taken to be extremely weak. Not any puncture can be formed in a decoupling process, and this set is described. Each such puncture can be found diagrammatically in terms of the other punctures on C in a particular decoupling limit. The relation of the gauge group to the symmetry associated with this puncture is discussed. We discuss the relation of such degeneration limits of large N theories, through the AdS/CFT correspondence, to decoupled field theories on AdS_5.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Arel Genish, Vladimir Narovlansky. 2017-05-25. Weak Coupling Limits and Colliding Punctures in Class-S Theories. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.97.045018

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