arXiv subjects

Christoph F. Uhlemann

Publications and source records attributed to Christoph F. Uhlemann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

One-point functions of the Lagrangian in $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM with boundaries, defects and interfaces

We obtain one-point functions of the ambient Lagrangian $\mathcal{O}_{\mathcal{L}}$ in $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM with $\frac{1}{2}$-BPS boundaries, defects and interfaces classified by Gaiotto and Witten, which include maximally supersymmetric Janus interfaces and BCFTs relevant for double holography, as well as for Janus interfaces with reduced supersymmetry. For Janus interfaces we extend recent results capturing $\langle \mathcal{O}_{\mathcal{L}}\rangle$ in certain limits to exact dependence on $N$ and $λ$, and confirm a non-renormalization conjecture. We also clarify recent results for Janus variants preserving less supersymmetry. For general $\frac{1}{2}$-BPS Gaiotto-Witten theories with genuine defect degrees of freedom we derive one-point functions using supersymmetric localization, confirm that the results agree with holographic predictions in the appropriate limits, and show that the one-point functions in general exhibit non-trivial coupling dependence.

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arXiv2026

Exact solutions to complex Type IIB supergravity for complex superalgebra $F(4)$ and its real forms

We construct the general local solutions to complexified Type IIB supergravity which are invariant under the complexified Lie superalgebra $F(4)$. The geometry is a product of complexified maximally symmetric spaces $\mathcal M_{6 {\mathbb C}}$ and $\mathcal M_{2 {\mathbb C}}$ warped over a complexified surface $Σ_{\mathbb C}$. We classify the reality conditions that may be imposed consistently to obtain real form solutions within real forms of complex Type IIB supergravity. The latter comprise standard Type IIB, Type IIB$^\star$ and IIB$^\prime$, as well as theories with $3$, $5$, $7$ and $9$ time-like directions. Our classification of real solutions is consistent with and exhausts the real forms of $F(4)$, whose classification we confirm by elementary methods. The geometry of each real form solution is a product of real maximally symmetric spaces $\mathcal M_6$ and $\mathcal M_2$ warped over a Riemann surface $Σ$, with various signatures. The real solutions include, among others, known $AdS_6 \times S^2 \times Σ$ and $AdS_2 \times S^6 \times Σ$ solutions to standard Type IIB as well as new solutions of the form $dS_{1,5}\times S^2 \times Σ$ in Type IIB$^\star$. There are no real forms of the complex solutions with $\mathfrak{so} (7;{\mathbb R}) \oplus \mathfrak{so} (3;{\mathbb R})$ symmetry. We discuss the relevance of the complex solutions, and of analytic continuations from $dS_{1,5}\times S^2\timesΣ$ to $S^6\times S^2\timesΣ$ within complex Type IIB, in connection with holography for the polarized IKKT model.

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arXiv2025

Resolving BCFT bulk-cone singularities in braneworlds and top-down holography

Two-point functions in BCFTs exhibit characteristic singularities compared to standard CFTs due to reflected light cones. In holographic BCFTs, further singularities, which need not be related to reflected light cones within the BCFT, can arise when the insertion points are connected by bulk null geodesics. The resulting `bulk-cone singularities' are expected to be an artifact of the `t Hooft limit and should be resolved in string theory. In this work we demonstrate the resolution of bulk-cone singularities in braneworld BCFT duals, where bulk-cone singularities arise from geodesics reflected off the end-of-the-world brane. We show that the geometry near the null geodesics is described by a pp-wave of shockwave form and incroporate string theory corrections, which bounds the two-point functions. We extend this discussion to top-down holography for D1/D5 BCFTs.

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arXiv2025

One-point functions for doubly-holographic BCFTs and backreacting defects

We derive one-point functions in 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM with $\tfrac{1}{2}$-BPS boundaries, defects and interfaces which host large numbers of defect degrees of freedom. The theories are engineered by Gaiotto-Witten D3/D5/NS5 brane setups with large numbers of D5 and NS5 branes, and have holographic duals with fully backreacted 5-branes. They include BCFTs with 3d SCFTs on the boundary which allow for the notion of double holography, as well as D3/D5 defects and interfaces with large numbers of D5-branes. Through a combination of supersymmetric localization and holography we derive one-point functions for 4d chiral primary operators.

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arXiv2025

Solving $\mathcal N=4$ SYM BCFT matrix models at large $N$

Many observables in 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM with Gaiotto-Witten boundary conditions can be described exactly by matrix models via supersymmetric localization. The boundaries typically introduce new degrees of freedom, through a reduction of the gauge symmetry on the boundary or as explicit boundary degrees of freedom, leading to non-trivial matrix models. We derive the saddle points dominating these matrix models at large $N$, expressed in terms of generalized Lambert W-functions. In string theory the BCFTs are realized by D3-branes ending on D5 and NS5 branes. We independently derive the saddle points from the holographic duals with $\rm AdS_4\times S^2\times S^2\timesΣ$ geometry and provide precision tests of the dualities.

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arXiv2024

Binary AdS black holes coupled to a bath in Type IIB

We construct Type IIB string theory setups which, via double holography, realize two gravitational systems in separate AdS spaces which interact with each other and with a non-gravitational bath. We employ top-down string theory solutions with concrete field theory duals in the form of 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM BCFTs and a first-principles notion of double holography. The setups are used to realize pairs of `near' and `far' black holes from the perspective of the bath, which exchange Hawking radiation with each other and radiate into the bath. We identify three phases for the entropy in the bath characterized as no island, partial island and full island, and discuss the entropy curves. The setups differ from the black hole binaries observed in gravitational wave experiments but may capture certain aspects.

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arXiv2024

BMN-like sectors in 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM with boundaries and interfaces

4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM admits half-BPS boundaries, defects and interfaces as well as compactifications to 3d $\mathcal N\,{=}\,4$ SCFTs, realized as intersections of D3, D5 and NS5 branes. We explore operators with large R-charge. We identify Penrose limits in the holographic duals with geometry $\rm AdS_4\times S^2\times S^2\timesΣ$, which describe, for each theory, a spectrum of `seed' operators which each give rise to a BMN-like sector described by a pp-wave. We relate the number of BMN-like sectors to the flavor symmetry of the CFT. For a sample of theories including the Janus interface, D3/D5 BCFTs and BCFTs with 3d SCFTs on the boundary, we determine the spectra of nearby operators and discuss the field theory realization of the seed operators. We further identify families of Penrose limits which give rise to more general pp-wave sectors.

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arXiv2023

Splitting interfaces in 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM

We discuss entanglement entropies in 4d interface CFTs based on 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM coupled to 3d $\mathcal N=4$ degrees of freedom localized on an interface. Focusing on the entanglement between the two half spaces to either side of the interface, we show that applying the Ryu-Takayanagi prescription in general leads to multiple natural entanglement entropies. We interpret the different entropies as corresponding to different ways of assigning the 3d degrees of freedom localized on the interface to the two half spaces. We contrast these findings with recent discussions of universal relations for entanglement entropies in 2d interface CFTs and formulate generalized relations for 4d interface CFTs which incorporate our results.

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arXiv2023

3d defects in 5d: RG flows and defect F-maximization

We use a combination of AdS/CFT and supersymmetric localization to study codimension-2 defects in 5d SCFTs and their gauge theory deformations. The 5d SCFTs are engineered by $(p,q)$ 5-brane webs, with defects realized by D3-branes ending on the 5-brane webs. We obtain the defect free energies and find that gauge theory descriptions of the combined 5d/3d systems can be connected to the UV defect SCFTs through a form of F-maximization which extremizes over different gauge theory defects. This leads to a match between the defect free energies obtained from supersymmetric localization in the gauge theories on the one hand and string theory results on the other. We extend this match to defect RG flows.

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arXiv2022

Entanglement and Topology in RG Flows Across Dimensions: Caps, Bridges and Corners

We quantitatively address the following question: for a QFT which is partially compactified, so as to realize an RG flow from a $D$-dimensional CFT in the UV to a $d$-dimensional CFT in the IR, how does the entanglement entropy of a small spherical region probing the UV physics evolve as the size of the region grows to increasingly probe IR physics? This entails a generalization of spherical regions to setups without full Lorentz symmetry, and we study the associated entanglement entropies holographically. We find a tight interplay between the topology and geometry of the compact space and the evolution of the entanglement entropy, with universal transitions from `cap' through `bridge' and `corner' phases, whose features reflect the details of the compact space. As concrete examples we discuss twisted compactifications of 4d ${\cal N}=4$ SYM on $T^2$, $S^2$ and hyperbolic Riemann surfaces.

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arXiv2022

Generalized quotients and holographic duals for 5d S-fold SCFTs

$\mathbb{Z}_n$ S-folds of 5d SCFTs, including $T_N$, which lead to brane webs with $E_{6,7,8}$ 7-branes were discussed recently. We generalize the construction to `fractional quotients', which are based on $\mathbb{Z}_n$ actions linking multiple copies of the seed theory and lead to $H_{0,1,2}$ 7-branes. We provide the holographic duals for both classes. This expands the space of explicitly known Type IIB $\rm AdS_6$ solutions by incorporating F-theory 7-branes of type $E_{6,7,8}$ and $H_{0,1,2}$, extending previous constructions for O7-planes. We discuss observables including the free energies and link the results to matrix model descriptions.

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arXiv2022

$c$-Functions in Flows Across Dimensions

We explore the notion of $c$-functions in renormalization group flows between theories in different spacetime dimensions. We discuss functions connecting central charges of the UV and IR fixed point theories on the one hand, and functions which are monotonic along the flow on the other. First, using the geometric properties of the holographic dual RG flows across dimensions and the constraints from the null energy condition, we construct a monotonic holographic $c$-function and thereby establish a holographic $c$-theorem across dimensions. Second, we use entanglement entropies for two different types of entangling regions in a field theory along the RG flow across dimensions to construct candidate $c$-functions which satisfy one of the two criteria but not both. In due process we also discuss an interesting connection between corner contributions to the entanglement entropy and the topology of the compact internal space. As concrete examples for both approaches, we holographically study twisted compactifications of 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM and compactifications of 6d $\mathcal N=(2,0)$ theories.

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arXiv2022

Double holography in string theory

We develop the notion of double holography in Type IIB string theory realizations of braneworld models. The Type IIB setups are based on the holographic duals of 4d BCFTs comprising 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM on a half space coupled to 3d $\mathcal N=4$ SCFTs on the boundary. Based on the concrete BCFTs and their brane construction, we provide microscopic realizations of the intermediate holographic description, obtained by dualizing only the 3d degrees of freedom. Triggered by recent observations in bottom-up models, we discuss the causal structures in the full BCFT duals and intermediate descriptions. This confirms qualitative features found in the bottom-up models but suggests a refinement of their interpretation.

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arXiv2022

Mapping out the internal space in AdS/BCFT with Wilson loops

We study Wilson loops in string theory realizations of AdS/BCFT and wedge holography. The field theories are based on 3d $\mathcal N=4$ long quiver gauge theories engineered by D3, D5 and NS5 branes, and on BCFTs involving 4d $\mathcal N=4$ SYM coupled to such 3d theories. The holographic duals have geometry $AdS_4\times S^2\times S^2$ warped over a strip. We identify the holographic representation of antisymmetric Wilson loops associated with individual 3d gauge nodes in terms of probe D5-branes. The expectation values obtained holographically are matched to supersymmetric localization computations. Our results yield an identification of regions in the internal space with individual 3d gauge nodes. Connecting to bottom-up braneworld models, this gives a concrete notion of which parts of the 10d solutions correspond to the end-of-the-world brane and which to the remaining bulk. We also construct supersymmetric Janus on the brane embeddings in AdS$_5\times$S$^5$, which describe surface defects with boundaries and interfaces in $\mathcal N=4$ SYM.

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arXiv2022

Information transfer with a twist

Holographic duals for CFTs compactified on a Riemann surface $Σ$ with a twist are cast in the language of wedge holography. $Σ$ starts as part of the field theory geometry in the UV and becomes part of the internal space in the IR. This allows to associate entanglement entropies with splits of the internal space in the IR geometry. Decomposing the internal space in the IR and geometrizing the corresponding subsystems separately leads to two interacting gravitational systems, similar to the intermediate holographic description in braneworld models. For $Σ=T^2$ the setups are used to model information transfer from a black hole to a gravitating bath. This leads to Page curves with a phase structure which precisely mirrors that in braneworld models. The transition from geometric to non-geometric entropies is also discussed for $Σ=S^2$ as a model for more general internal spaces in AdS/CFT.

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arXiv2021

Non-supersymmetric AdS$_6$ and the swampland

We discuss infinite families of non-supersymmetric AdS$_6$ solutions in Type IIB string theory. They are siblings of supersymmetric solutions which are associated with $(p,q)$ 5-brane webs and holographically dual to 5d SCFTs engineered by those brane webs. The non-supersymmetric backgrounds carry identical 5-brane charges and are connected to the supersymmetric ones by RG flows. We study the stability of the non-supersymmetric solutions, identifying perturbative and non-perturbative decay channels for all the backgrounds explicitly available. We also identify likely decay mechanisms for solutions that have not been constructed explicitly but may be expected to exist based on brane web considerations. Finally, we exclude scale separation by constructing universal spin 2 modes with masses comparable to the mass-scale of the cosmological constant.

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arXiv2021

Islands and Page curves in 4d from Type IIB

Variants of the black hole information paradox are studied in Type IIB string theory setups that realize four-dimensional gravity coupled to a bath. The setups are string theory versions of doubly-holographic Karch/Randall brane worlds, with black holes coupled to non-gravitating and gravitating baths. The 10d versions are based on fully backreacted solutions for configurations of D3, D5 and NS5 branes, and admit dual descriptions as $\mathcal N=4$ SYM on a half space and 3d $T_ρ^σ[SU(N)]$ SCFTs. Island contributions to the entanglement entropy of black hole radiation systems are identified through Ryu/Takayanagi surfaces and lead to Page curves. Analogs of the critical angles found in the Karch/Randall models are identified in 10d, as critical parameters in the brane configurations and dual field theories.

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arXiv2021

On the planar limit of 3d $T_ρ^σ[SU(N)]$

We discuss a limit of 3d $T_ρ^σ[SU(N)]$ quiver gauge theories in which the number of nodes is large and the ranks scale quadratically with the length of the quiver. The sphere free energies and topologically twisted indices are obtained using supersymmetric localization. Both scale quartically with the length of the quiver and quadratically with $N$, with trilogarithm functions depending on the quiver data as coefficients. The IR SCFTs have well-behaved supergravity duals in Type IIB, and the free energies match precisely with holographic results. Previously discussed theories with $N^2\ln N$ scaling arise as limiting cases. Each balanced 3d quiver theory is linked to a 5d parent, whose matrix model is related and dominated by the same saddle point, leading to close relations between BPS observables.

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