Search arXiv⌕ Search
Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · 2412.08142

Axion QED as a Lattice Gauge Theory and Non-Invertible Symmetry

Yamato Honda·Soma Onoda·Hiroshi Suzuki
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

We investigate the non-invertible symmetry associated with chiral symmetry in axion quantum electrodynamics (QED) using the modified Villain formulation. In axion QED, it is known that naive magnetic objects such as 't Hooft loops and axion strings lose their gauge invariance due to the violation of the Bianchi identity for the field strength of the photon or "field strength" of the axion. First, we construct the action of axion QED on the square lattice, which is more intricate than its counterpart in the continuum theory. We then observe the breaking of gauge invariance. Subsequently, we construct gauge-invariant magnetic objects by introducing new degrees of freedom localized at the positions of the magnetic objects. Furthermore, we explicitly compute the response of the magnetic objects under the action of the non-invertible symmetry operator constructed in Ref. [1]. In this analysis, we employ a method different from the so-called half-space gauging, which is the standard method to study non-invertible symmetries.

Explore related subjects

hep-lat

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Yamato Honda, Soma Onoda, Hiroshi Suzuki. 2024-12-13. Axion QED as a Lattice Gauge Theory and Non-Invertible Symmetry. https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.08142

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

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2026

Flowed quark field renormalization in lattice QCD: A Ward-identity approach and its validation using quark bilinears

We present a non-perturbative Ward-identity prescription for determining the flowed quark field renormalization factor $Z_χ$, avoiding the computational difficulties of the conventional ringed prescription. The method is based on vector-current normalization and ratios of flowed and unflowed meson two-point functions. We determine the resulting $\mathring{Z}_χ^{V}(t_f,a)$ on five $2+1$-flavor clover ensembles and validate it in the pseudoscalar, scalar, axial-vector, and tensor channels. Renormalized matrix elements obtained through sequential continuum and zero-flow-time extrapolations agree with independent RI/MOM and RI/SMOM determinations. The finite-lattice-spacing bilinear renormalization factors show differences that decrease toward finer lattices, reflecting the different discretization effects of the renormalization methods. The cross-channel agreement demonstrates the viability of the proposed prescription; together, the method and its systematic validation establish a robust foundation for the non-perturbative renormalization of flowed fermionic operators in future lattice calculations.

hep-lat↗
arXiv2026

A Guide to Symmetric Mass Generation in Lattice-QCD

Symmetric mass generation (SMG) has attracted growing interest in both condensed matter theory and lattice-QCD communities. Here we formulate general criteria for SMG and examine their compatibility with lattice-QCD. We propose possible RG-flow scenarios near the SMG transition, and argue that meson mass ratio can serve as a probe of the SMG transition viewed as a UV fixed point. We further identify Goldstone tetraquark meson states as phenomenological signatures of the "type-II'' SMG phase.

hep-lat↗
arXiv2026

First-Principles Determination of the QCD Contribution to the Axion-Photon Coupling Using Domain-Wall Fermions

The axion-photon coupling, crucial for experimental axion searches and tests of the strong CP solution, receives a substantial model-independent contribution $\mathcal C_{\rm QCD}$ from QCD dynamics. Next-to-leading-order chiral perturbation theory (NLO ChPT) in different frameworks has yielded puzzling discrepancies of up to $8\%$, motivating precise first-principles calculations. We present an independent lattice QCD determination using a method complementary to the recent background-field calculation. Computing pseudoscalar-to-two-photon three-point functions and exploiting anomalous Ward identities, we separate $\mathcal C_{\rm QCD}$ into an exact anomaly contribution and a light-quark-mass-suppressed correction. The latter is computed using domain-wall fermions, whose excellent chiral symmetry strongly suppresses discretization effects. Working on two near-physical $N_f=2+1$ ensembles with continuum extrapolation, we obtain $\mathcal C_{\rm QCD}^{\rm IS}=1.619(30)$ (isospin-symmetric), $\mathcal C_{\rm QCD}^{\rm IB}=0.347(22)$ (isospin-breaking), and $\mathcal C_{\rm QCD}=1.965(35)$ in total. While direct comparisons with published NLO ChPT predictions reveal apparent tensions, we identify their sources and show that the ChPT results can be reconciled with our lattice determination. Our result provides a first-principles benchmark for the QCD contribution to the axion-photon coupling and a quantitative test of competing ChPT descriptions.

hep-lat↗