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Antoine Bourget

Publications and source records attributed to Antoine Bourget.

45 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

A limit for large $R$-charge correlators in $\mathcal{N}=2$ theories

Using supersymmetric localization, we study the sector of chiral primary operators $({\rm Tr} \, ϕ^2 )^n$ with large $R$-charge $4n$ in $\mathcal{N}=2$ four-dimensional superconformal theories in the weak coupling regime $g\rightarrow 0$, where $λ\equiv g^2n$ is kept fixed as $n\to\infty $, $g$ representing the gauge theory coupling(s). In this limit, correlation functions $G_{2n}$ of these operators behave in a simple way, with an asymptotic behavior of the form $G_{2n}\approx F_{\infty}(λ) \left(\fracλ{2πe}\right)^{2n}\ n^α$, modulo $O(1/n)$ corrections, with $α=\frac{1}{2} \mathrm{dim}(\mathfrak{g})$ for a gauge algebra $\mathfrak{g}$ and a universal function $F_{\infty}(λ)$. As a by-product we find several new formulas both for the partition function as well as for perturbative correlators in ${\cal N}=2$ $\mathfrak{su}(N)$ gauge theory with $2N$ fundamental hypermultiplets.

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The Conformal Characters

We revisit the study of the multiplets of the conformal algebra in any dimension. The theory of highest weight representations is reviewed in the context of the Bernstein-Gelfand-Gelfand category of modules. The Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials code the relation between the Verma modules and the irreducible modules in the category and are the key to the characters of the conformal multiplets (whether finite dimensional, infinite dimensional, unitary or non-unitary). We discuss the representation theory and review in full generality which representations are unitarizable. The mathematical theory that allows for both the general treatment of characters and the full analysis of unitarity is made accessible. A good understanding of the mathematics of conformal multiplets renders the treatment of all highest weight representations in any dimension uniform, and provides an overarching comprehension of case-by-case results. Unitary highest weight representations and their characters are classified and computed in terms of data associated to cosets of the Weyl group of the conformal algebra. An executive summary is provided, as well as look-up tables up to and including rank four.

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Towards Deconstruction of the Type D (2,0) Theory

We propose a four-dimensional supersymmetric theory that deconstructs, in a particular limit, the six-dimensional $(2,0)$ theory of type $D_k$. This 4d theory is defined by a necklace quiver with alternating gauge nodes $\mathrm{O}(2k)$ and $\mathrm{Sp}(k)$. We test this proposal by comparing the 6d half-BPS index to the Higgs branch Hilbert series of the 4d theory. In the process, we overcome several technical difficulties, such as Hilbert series calculations for non-complete intersections, and the choice of $\mathrm{O}$ versus $\mathrm{SO}$ gauge groups. Consistently, the result matches the Coulomb branch formula for the mirror theory upon reduction to 3d.

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Permutations of Massive Vacua

We discuss the permutation group G of massive vacua of four-dimensional gauge theories with N=1 supersymmetry that arises upon tracing loops in the space of couplings. We concentrate on superconformal N=4 and N=2 theories with N=1 supersymmetry preserving mass deformations. The permutation group G of massive vacua is the Galois group of characteristic polynomials for the vacuum expectation values of chiral observables. We provide various techniques to effectively compute characteristic polynomials in given theories, and we deduce the existence of varying symmetry breaking patterns of the duality group depending on the gauge algebra and matter content of the theory. Our examples give rise to interesting field extensions of spaces of modular forms.

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The Arithmetic of Supersymmetric Vacua

We provide explicit formulas for the number of vacua of four-dimensional pure N=1 super Yang-Mills theories on a circle, with any simple gauge algebra and any choice of center and spectrum of line operators. These form a key ingredient in the semi-classical calculation of the number of massive vacua of N=1* gauge theories with gauge algebra su(n) compactified on a circle. Using arithmetic, we express that number in an SL(2,Z) duality invariant manner. We confirm our tally of massive vacua of the N=1* theories by a count of inequivalent extrema of the exact superpotential. Furthermore, we compute a formula for a refined index that distinguishes massive vacua according to their unbroken discrete gauge group.

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On the N=1* Gauge Theory on a Circle and Elliptic Integrable Systems

We continue our study of the N=1* supersymmetric gauge theory and its relation to elliptic integrable systems. Upon compactification on a circle, we show that the semi-classical analysis of the massless and massive vacua depends on the classification of nilpotent orbits, as well as on the conjugacy classes of the component group of their centralizer. We demonstrate that semi-classically massless vacua can be lifted by Wilson lines in unbroken discrete gauge groups. The pseudo-Levi subalgebras that play a classifying role in the nilpotent orbit theory are also key in defining generalized Inozemtsev limits of (twisted) elliptic integrable systems. We illustrate our analysis in the N=1* theories with gauge algebras su(3), su(4), so(5) and for the exceptional gauge algebra G2. We map out modular duality diagrams of the massive and massless vacua. Moreover, we provide an analytic description of the branches of massless vacua in the case of the su(3) and the so(5) theory. The description of these branches in terms of the complexified Wilson lines on the circle invokes the Eichler-Zagier technique for inverting the elliptic Weierstrass function. After fine-tuning the coupling to elliptic points of order three, we identify the Argyres-Douglas singularities of the su(3) theory.

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The Covariant Chiral Ring

We construct a covariant generating function for the spectrum of chiral primaries of symmetric orbifold conformal field theories with N=(4,4) supersymmetry in two dimensions. For seed target spaces K3 and T4, the generating functions capture the SO(21) and SO(5) representation theoretic content of the chiral ring respectively. Via string dualities, we relate the transformation properties of the chiral ring under these isometries of the moduli space to the Lorentz covariance of perturbative string partition functions in flat space.

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Counting the Massive Vacua of N=1* Super Yang-Mills Theory

We compute the number of massive vacua of N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory mass-deformed to preserve N=1 supersymmetry, for any gauge group G. We use semi-classical techniques and efficiently reproduce the known counting for A,B and C-type gauge groups, present the generating function for both O(2n) and SO(2n), and compute the supersymmetric index for gauge groups of exceptional type. A crucial role is played by the classification of nilpotent orbits, as well as global properties of their centralizers. We give illustrative examples of new features of our analysis for the D-type algebras.

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Duality and Modularity in Elliptic Integrable Systems and Vacua of N=1* Gauge Theories

We study complexified elliptic Calogero-Moser integrable systems. We determine the value of the potential at isolated extrema, as a function of the modular parameter of the torus on which the integrable system lives. We calculate the extrema for low rank B,C,D root systems using a mix of analytical and numerical tools. For so(5) we find convincing evidence that the extrema constitute a vector valued modular form for a congruence subgroup of the modular group. For so(7) and so(8), the extrema split into two sets. One set contains extrema that make up vector valued modular forms for congruence subgroups, and a second set contains extrema that exhibit monodromies around points in the interior of the fundamental domain. The former set can be described analytically, while for the latter, we provide an analytic value for the point of monodromy for so(8), as well as extensive numerical predictions for the Fourier coefficients of the extrema. Our results on the extrema provide a rationale for integrality properties observed in integrable models, and embed these into the theory of vector valued modular forms. Moreover, using the data we gather on the modularity of complexified integrable system extrema, we analyse the massive vacua of mass deformed N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories with low rank gauge group of type B,C and D. We map out their transformation properties under the infrared electric-magnetic duality group as well as under triality for N=1* with gauge algebra so(8). We find several intriguing properties of the quantum gauge theories.

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