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arXiv · 2303.07360

Perspectives on Anomaly Resolution

Thomas Vandermeulen
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Abstract

We examine in detail the process of resolving 't Hooft anomalies by extending the symmetry of a theory. Specifically, we interpret the ingredients of existing prescriptions for anomaly resolution as the addition of topological operators with designated mixed anomalies, which can be interpreted as coupling our original field theory to a topological one. We show that, upon gauging, the presence of such mixed anomalies leads to a modified version of the original symmetry which now acts on the newly introduced operators, allowing for an overall anomaly-free action. We also show that the original, anomalous symmetry remains present in the theory. This analysis is applied to anomaly-resolving extensions by both ordinary and higher-form symmetries, leading to related but qualitatively distinct stories.

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Thomas Vandermeulen. 2023-03-13. Perspectives on Anomaly Resolution. https://doi.org/10.1007/jhep07(2023)183

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