A. D. López-Hernández

arXiv2025

S-Duality and Categorical Gauge Theory

In this work, we revisit abelian S-duality in the context of higher gauge theory. By using a specific crossed module a set of transformations arise, which are known as the "thin" and "fat" transformations. The "fat" transformations are the ones introduced by hand to construct the S-dual theory. By utilizing crossed modules and higher gauge theory, we arrive at transformations referred to by some as "third-type transformations", giving these transformations a geometric interpretation, as transformations of a local 2-connection in a 2-principal bundle. This approach opens a new perspective to understand S-duality in non-abelian gauge theories through higher gauge theory.

hep-th↗

arXiv2025

Categorical generalization of BF theory coupled to gravity

We present a thorough introduction to the tools of category theory required for formulating gauge theories based on 2-connections. We provide a detailed construction of the categorical generalization of BF theory, dubbed BFCG, also known as 2BF. Similar to BF gravity, it is known that BFCG can be deformed to give general relativity. Here, we obtain an alternative relation between BFCG and gravity, which consists of coupling general relativity and BFCG by means of the volume form constructed out of the BFCG connections. The resulting theory, closely related to unimodular gravity, is a generalization of BF sequestered gravity not only in the sense that it adds new fields but also in that it allows for new choices for the volume form that is coupled to gravity. Furthermore, we show that BF sequestered gravity in the abelian case is recovered for a specific choice of the 2-group.

hep-th↗