From 6d flows to 4d flows

Abstract

SCFTs in six dimensions are interrelated by networks of RG flows. Compactifying such models on a Riemann surface with flux for the $6d$ global symmetry, one can obtain a wide variety of theories in four dimensions. These four dimensional models are also related by a network of RG flows. In this paper we study some examples of four dimensional flows relating theories that can be obtained from six dimensions starting with different SCFTs connected by $6d$ RG flows. We compile a dictionary between different orders of such flows, $6d\to 6d\to 4d$ and $6d\to 4d\to 4d$, in the particular case when the six dimensional models are the ones residing on M5 branes probing different $A$-type singularities. The flows we study are triggered by vacuum expectation values (vevs) to certain operators charged under the six dimensional symmetry. We find that for generic choices of parameters the different orders of flows, $6d\to 6d\to 4d$ and $6d\to 4d\to 4d$, involve compactifications on different Riemann surfaces with the difference being in the number of punctures the surface has.