arXiv subjects

Cumrun Vafa

Publications and source records attributed to Cumrun Vafa.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

arXiv1998

String Expansion as Large N Expansion of Gauge Theories

We consider string perturbative expansion in the presence of D-branes imbedded in orbifolded space-time. In the regime where the string coupling is weak and $α'\to 0$, the string perturbative expansion coincides with `t Hooft's large N expansion. We specifically concentrate on theories with d=4 and ${\cal N}=0,1,2,4$, and use world-sheet orbifold techniques to prove vanishing theorems for the field theory beta functions to all orders in perturbation theory in the large N limit. This is in accord with recent predictions.

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arXiv1998

Topological Gravity as Large N Topological Gauge Theory

We consider topological closed string theories on Calabi-Yau manifolds which compute superpotential terms in the corresponding compactified type II effective action. In particular, near certain singularities we compare the partition function of this topological theory (the Kodaira-Spencer theory) to $SU(\infty)$ Chern-Simons theory on the vanishing 3-cycle. We find agreement between these theories, which we check explicitly for the case of shrinking $S^3$ and Lens spaces, at the perturbative level. Moreover, the gauge theory has non-perturbative contributions which have a natural interpretation in the Type IIB picture. We provide a heuristic explanation for this agreement as well as suggest further equivalences in other topological gravity/gauge systems.

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arXiv1998

On N=1 Yang-Mills in Four Dimensions

Extending previous work on geometric engineering of N=1 Yang-Mills in four dimensions for simply laced ($A_n,D_n,E_{6,7,8}$) gauge groups, we construct local models for all other gauge groups ($B_n,C_n,F_4,G_2$) in terms of F-theory. We compute the radius dependent superpotential upon further compactification on a circle to $d=3$ in the dual M-theory and use it to show that the number of vacua in four dimensions for each group is given by its dual coxeter number, in accordance with expectations based on gaugino condensates.

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arXiv1998

Black Holes and Calabi-Yau Threefolds

We compute the microscopic entropy of certain 4 and 5 dimensional extermal black holes which arise for compactification of M-theory and type IIA on Calabi-Yau 3-folds. The results agree with macroscopic predictions, including some subleading terms. The macroscopic entropy in the 5 dimensional case predicts a surprising growth in the cohomology of moduli space of holomorphic curves in Calabi-Yau threefolds which we verify in the case of elliptic threefolds.

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arXiv1997

Geometric Origin of Montonen-Olive Duality

We show how $N=4, D=4$ duality of Montonen and Olive can be derived for all gauge groups using geometric engineering in the context of type II strings, where it reduces to T-duality. The derivation for the non-simply laced cases involves the use of some well known facts about orbifold conformal theories.

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arXiv1997

Non-Abelian Conifold Transitions and N=4 Dualities in Three Dimensions

We show how Higgs mechanism for non-abelian N=2 gauge theories in four dimensions is geometrically realized in the context of type II strings as transitions among compactifications of Calabi-Yau threefolds. We use this result and T-duality of a further compacitification on a circle to derive N=4, d=3 dual field theories. This reduces dualities for N=4 gauge systems in three dimensions to perturbative symmetries of string theory. Moreover we find that the dual of a gauge system always exists but may or may not correspond to a lagrangian system. In particular we verify a conjecture of Intriligator and Seiberg that an ordinary gauge system is dual to compactification of Exceptional tensionless string theory down to three dimensions.

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arXiv1997

Global Anomalies and Geometric Engineering of Critical Theories in Six Dimensions

We show the existence of global gauge anomalies in six dimensions for gauge groups SU(2),SU(3) and G_2 coupled to matter, characterized by an element of Z_{12},Z_6 and Z_3 respectively. Consideration of this anomaly rules out some of the recently proposed 6 dimensional N=1 QFT's which were conjectured to possess IR fixed point at infinite coupling. We geometrically engineer essentially all the other models with one tensor multiplet using F-theory. In addition we construct 3 infinite series using F-theory geometry which do not have field theory analogs. All these models in the maximally Higgsed phase correspond to the strong coupling behaviour of E_8 x E_8 heterotic string compactification on K3 with instanton numbers (12+n,12-n).

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arXiv1997

Lectures on Strings and Dualities

In this set of lectures I review recent developments in string theory emphasizing their non-perturbative aspects and their recently discovered duality symmetries. The goal of the lectures is to make the recent exciting developments in string theory accessible to those with no previous background in string theory who wish to join the research effort in this area. Topics covered include a brief review of string theory, its compactifications, solitons and D-branes, black hole entropy and web of string dualities. (Lectures presented at ICTP summer school, June 1996)

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arXiv1997

Geometry of N=1 Dualities in Four Dimensions

We discuss how N=1 dualities in four dimensions are geometrically realized by wrapping D-branes about 3-cycles of Calabi-Yau threefolds. In this setup the N=1 dualities for SU, SO and USp gauge groups with fundamental fields get mapped to statements about the monodromy and relations among 3-cycles of Calabi-Yau threefolds. The connection between the theory and its dual requires passing through configurations which are T-dual to the well-known phenomenon of decay of BPS states in N=2 field theories in four dimensions. We compare our approach to recent works based on configurations of D-branes in the presence of NS 5-branes and give simple classical geometric derivations of various exotic dynamics involving D-branes ending on NS-branes.

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arXiv1997

U-Manifolds

We use non-perturbative U-duality symmetries of type II strings to construct new vacuum solutions. In some ways this generalizes the F-theory vacuum constructions. We find the possibilities of new vacuum constructions are very limited. Among them we construct new theories with N=2 supersymmetry in 3-dimensions and (1, 1) supersymmetry in 2-dimensions.

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arXiv1997

N=1 Dualities of SO and USp Gauge Theories and T-Duality of String Theory

Extending recent work on SU gauge theory, we engineer local string models for N=1 four-dimensional SO and USp gauge theories coupled to matter in the fundamental. The local models are type IIB orientifolds with D7 branes on a curved orientifold 7-plane, and matter realized by adding D3 branes on the orientifold plane. The Higgs branches of the SO and USp theories can be matched with the moduli spaces of SO and USp instantons on the compact four-dimensional part of the D7 branes worldvolume. The R-charge of the gauge theories is identified with a U(1) symmetry on the worldvolume of an Euclidean D3 brane instanton. We argue that the quantum field theory dualities of these gauge theories arise from T-dualities of type IIB strings exchanging D7 and D3 charges. A crucial role is played by the induced D3 charge of D7 branes and an orientifold 7-plane, both partially compactified on a $Z_2$ orbifold of K3.

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arXiv1996

Geometric Engineering of N=1 Quantum Field Theories

We construct local geometric model in terms of F- and M-theory compactification on Calabi-Yau fourfolds which lead to N=1 Yang-Mills theory in d=4 and its reduction on a circle to d=3. We compute the superpotential in d=3, as a function of radius, which is generated by the Euclidean 5-brane instantons. The superpotential turns out to be the same as the potential for affine Toda theories. In the limit of vanishing radius the affine Toda potential reduces to the Toda potential.

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arXiv1996

Geometric Engineering of Quantum Field Theories

Using the recent advances in our understanding of non-perturbative aspects of type II strings we show how non-trivial exact results for $N=2$ quantum field theories can be reduced to T-dualities of string theory. This is done by constructing a local geometric realization of quantum field theories together with a local application of mirror symmetry. This construction is not based on any duality conjecture and thus reduces non-trivial quantum field theory results to much better understood T-dualities of type II strings. Moreover it can be used in principle to construct in a systematic way the vacuum structure for arbitrary $N=2$ gauge theories with matter representations.

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arXiv1996

A Geometric Realization of Confinement

We study the geometric realization of the Higgs phenomenon in type II string compactifications on Calabi--Yau manifolds. The string description is most directly phrased in terms of confinement of magnetic flux, with magnetic charged states arising from D-branes wrapped around chains as opposed to cycles. The rest of the closed cycle of the D-brane worldvolume is manifested as a confining flux tube emanating from the magnetic charges, in the uncompactified space. We also study corrections to hypermultiplet moduli for type II compactifications, in particular for type IIA near the conifold point.

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arXiv1996

Summing up D-Instantons

We investigate quantum corrections to the moduli space for hypermultiplets for type IIA near a conifold singularity. We find a unique quantum deformation based on symmetry arguments which is consistent with a recent conjecture. The correction can be interpreted as an infinite sum coming from multiple wrappings of the Euclidean D-branes around the vanishing cycle.

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arXiv1996

Matter From Geometry

We provide a local geometric description of how charged matter arises in type IIA, M-theory, or F-theory compactifications on Calabi-Yau manifolds. The basic idea is to deform a higher singularity into a lower one through Cartan deformations which vary over space. The results agree with expectations based on string dualities.

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arXiv1996

Compactifications of F-Theory on Calabi--Yau Threefolds -- I

We study compactifications of F-theory on certain Calabi--Yau threefolds. We find that $N=2$ dualities of type II/heterotic strings in 4 dimensions get promoted to $N=1$ dualities between heterotic string and F-theory in 6 dimensions. The six dimensional heterotic/heterotic duality becomes a classical geometric symmetry of the Calabi--Yau in the F-theory setup. Moreover the F-theory compactification sheds light on the nature of the strong coupling transition and what lies beyond the transition at finite values of heterotic string coupling constant.

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arXiv1996

Compactifications of F-Theory on Calabi--Yau Threefolds -- II

We continue our study of compactifications of F-theory on Calabi--Yau threefolds. We gain more insight into F-theory duals of heterotic strings and provide a recipe for building F-theory duals for arbitrary heterotic compactifications on elliptically fibered manifolds. As a byproduct we find that string/string duality in six dimensions gets mapped to fiber/base exchange in F-theory. We also construct a number of new $N=1$, $d=6$ examples of F-theory vacua and study transitions among them. We find that some of these transition points correspond upon further compactification to 4 dimensions to transitions through analogues of Argyres--Douglas points of $N=2$ moduli. A key idea in these transitions is the notion of classifying $(0,4)$ fivebranes of heterotic strings.

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