arXiv subjects

Daniel Waldram

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel Waldram.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

EFTs with Symmetric Moduli Spaces: the Landscape and the Swampland

The Swampland Distance Conjecture (SDC) states that, for any infinite-distance limit in the moduli space of a quantum gravity effective field theory (EFT), there should exist an infinite tower of states that become exponentially light. According to the Emergent String Conjecture, such a tower should consist either of tensionless strings or of Kaluza-Klein modes, each with a mass-decay rate that depends in a precise way on the dimension of the effective field theory. In this paper, we use the results obtained in arXiv:2508.18401 on the SDC for symmetric moduli spaces and how these rates are encoded in the weight polytope of the corresponding particle-state representations to determine the symmetric space EFTs and representations that have these decay rates. Remarkably, assuming that the particle states transform in an irreducible representation, the list of possible polytopes and moduli spaces is finite. Different EFTs are related by embedding one moduli space in another or by taking a decompactification limit. Requiring compatibility of the particle representations under such branching, we find that, while most of the theories can be obtained from an EFT based on $E_{8(8)}$, there remain three in our list that appear to be impossible to get from M- or string-theory compactifications. Using the same embedding procedure, we also identify the string and brane representations that should be present in the spectrum.

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arXiv2026

$Spin(n,n)\times\mathbb{R}^+$ Generalised Geometry and Consistent Truncations on Branes

In this note we show how the consistent truncations on half-supersymmetric branes of Leung and Stelle and Lin, Skrzypek and Stelle fit into the general exceptional generalised geometry analysis of Cassani \emph{et al.}. Each solution defines a torsion-free $Spin(n)$ structure in the $Spin(n,n)\times \mathbb{R}^+$ generalised geometry introduced by Strickland--Constable, where $n$ is the dimension of the space transverse to the brane. Embedding this into the appropriate exceptional generalised geometry then defines the truncation. As a by-product we derive a new consistent truncation on the IIA NS5-brane to six-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=(2,0)$ supergravity coupled to a tensor mutliplet, and new consistent truncations on the D6- and D7-branes to seven- and eight-dimensional pure half-maximal supergravity respectively.

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arXiv2025

The Boundary of Symmetric Moduli Spaces and the Swampland Distance Conjecture

For non-compact, locally symmetric moduli spaces M, the set of geodesics and the geometry of the boundary can be completely characterised using group theory. In particular, geodesics that asymptote to a given infinite distance boundary point are characterised by a choice of rational parabolic subgroup P(Q) of the local isometry group G and an element of the Cartan subalgebra of P(Q). Under the assumption that M satisfies the "compactifiability" constraint of arXiv:2412.03640 and some mild conditions on the spectrum of states, we use this formalism to prove the Swampland Distance Conjecture for essentially all locally symmetric spaces M. We show that the states necessarily transform in some representation of G, and further that the convex hull encoding the exponential rate at which the leading tower of states becomes light is simply the convex hull of the weights of the representation. In a companion paper, we then use the formalism to classify all locally symmetric spaces and irreducible representations that are consistent with the Emergent String Conjecture.

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arXiv2024

All-orders moduli for type II flux backgrounds

We investigate the old problem of determining the exact bulk moduli of generic $\mathrm{SU}(3)$-structure flux backgrounds of type II string theory. Using techniques from generalised geometry, we show that the infinitesimal deformations are counted by a spectral sequence in which the vertical maps are either de Rham or Dolbeault differentials (depending on the type of the exceptional complex structure (ECS)) and the horizontal maps are linear maps constructed from the flux and intrinsic torsion. Our calculation is exact, covering all possible supergravity $\mathrm{SU}(3)$-structure flux backgrounds including those which are not conformally Calabi--Yau, and goes beyond the usual linear approximation in three important ways: (i) we allow for finite flux; (ii) we consider perturbative higher-derivative corrections to the supergravity action; and (iii) we consider obstructions arising from higher-order deformations. Despite these extensions we find that the spectral sequence reproduces the na\"ive expectations that come from considering the effective superpotential in the small-flux limit. In particular, by writing the moduli in a form that is independent of the K\"ahler potential on the space of ECSs, and arguing the superpotential does not receive higher-derivative corrections, we show that the spectral sequence is perturbatively exact. Further, preliminary results show that a Tian--Todorov-like lemma implies that all the obstructions vanish. This has implications for the tadpole conjecture, showing that such perturbative, higher-order effects do not provide a way of circumventing the bound.

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arXiv2023

Y-algebroids and $E_{7(7)} \times \mathbb{R}^+$-generalised geometry

We define the notion of Y-algebroids, generalising the Lie, Courant, and exceptional algebroids that have been used to capture the local symmetry structure of type II string theory and M-theory compactifications to $D \geq 5$ dimensions. Instead of an invariant inner product, or its generalisation arising in exceptional algebroids, Y-algebroids are built around a specific type of tensor, denoted $Y$, that provides exactly the necessary properties to also describe compactifications to $D=4$ dimensions. We classify "M-exact" $E_7$-algebroids and show that this precisely matches the form of the generalised tangent space of $E_{7(7)} \times \mathbb{R}^+$-generalised geometry, with possible twists due to 1-, 4- and 7-form fluxes, corresponding physically to the derivative of the warp factor and the M-theory fluxes. We translate the notion of generalised Leibniz parallelisable spaces, relevant to consistent truncations, into this language, where they are mapped to so-called exceptional Manin pairs. We also show how to understand Poisson-Lie U-duality and exceptional complex structures using Y-algebroids.

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arXiv2022

M-theory Moduli from Exceptional Complex Structures

We continue the analysis of the geometry of generic Minkowski $\mathcal{N} = 1$, $D = 4$ flux compactifications in M-theory using exceptional generalised geometry, including the calculation of the infinitesimal moduli spaces. The backgrounds can be classified into two classes: type-0 and type-3. For type-0, we review how the moduli arise from standard de Rham cohomology classes. We also argue that, under reasonable assumptions, there are no appropriate sources to support compact flux backgrounds for this class and so the only solutions are in fact $G_2$ geometries. For type-3 backgrounds, given a suitable $\partial ' \bar{\partial} ' $-lemma, we show that the moduli can be calculated from a cohomology based on an involutive sub-bundle of the complexified tangent space. Using a simple spectral sequence we prove quite generally that the presence of flux can only reduce the number of moduli compared with the fluxless case. We then use the formalism to calculate the moduli of heterotic M-theory and show they match those of the dual Hull-Strominger system as expected.

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arXiv2022

Exceptional algebroids and type IIB superstrings

In this note we study exceptional algebroids, focusing on their relation to type IIB superstring theory. We show that a IIB-exact exceptional algebroid (corresponding to the group $E_{n(n)}\times \mathbb{R}^+$, for $n\le 6$) locally has a standard form given by the exceptional tangent bundle. We derive possible twists, given by a flat $\mathfrak{gl}(2,\mathbb{R})$-connection, a covariantly closed pair of 3-forms, and a 5-form, and comment on their physical interpretation. Using this analysis we reduce the search for Leibniz parallelisable spaces, and hence maximally supersymmetric consistent truncations, to a simple algebraic problem. We show that the exceptional algebroid perspective also gives a simple description of Poisson-Lie U-duality without spectators and hence of generalised Yang-Baxter deformations.

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arXiv2021

Exactly Marginal Deformations and their Supergravity Duals

We study the space of supersymmetric AdS$_5$ solutions of type IIB supergravity corresponding to the conformal manifold of the dual $\mathcal{N}=1$ conformal field theory. We show that the background geometry naturally encodes a generalised holomorphic structure, dual to the superpotential of the field theory, with the existence of the full solution following from a continuity argument. In particular, this provides a solution to the long-standing problem of finding the gravity dual of the generic $\mathcal{N}=1$ deformations of $\mathcal{N}=4$ conformal field theory. Using this formalism, we derive a new result for the Hilbert series of the deformed field theories.

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arXiv2021

The higher-dimensional origin of five-dimensional $\boldsymbol{{\cal N}\!=\!2}$ gauged supergravities

Using exceptional generalised geometry, we classify which five-dimensional ${\cal N}=2$ gauged supergravities can arise as a consistent truncation of 10-/11-dimensional supergravity. Exceptional generalised geometry turns the classification into an algebraic problem of finding subgroups $G_S \subset \mathrm{USp}(8) \subset \mathrm{E}_{6(6)}$ that preserve exactly two spinors. Moreover, the intrinsic torsion of the $G_S$ structure must contain only constant singlets under $G_S$, and these, in turn, determine the gauging of the five-dimensional theory. The resulting five-dimensional theories are strongly constrained: their scalar manifolds are necessarily symmetric spaces and only a small number of matter multiplets can be kept, which we completely enumerate. We also determine the largest reductive and compact gaugings that can arise from consistent truncations.

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arXiv2021

Exceptional complex structures and the hypermultiplet moduli of 5d Minkowski compactifications of M-theory

We present a detailed study of a new mathematical object in $\mathrm{E}_{6(6)}\times \mathbb{R}^{+}$ generalised geometry called an `exceptional complex structure' (ECS). It is the extension of a conventional complex structure to one that includes all the degrees of freedom of M-theory or type IIB supergravity in six or five dimensions, and as such characterises, in part, the geometry of generic supersymmetric compactifications to five-dimensional Minkowkski space. We define an ECS as an integrable $\mathrm{U}^{*}(6)\times \mathbb{R}^{+}$ structure and show it is equivalent to a particular form of involutive subbundle of the complexified generalised tangent bundle $L_{1} \subset E_{\mathbb{C}}$. We also define a refinement, an $\mathrm{SU}^{*}(6)$ structure, and show that its integrability requires in addition a vanishing moment map on the space of structures. We are able to classify all possible ECSs, showing that they are characterised by two numbers denoted `type' and `class'. We then use the deformation theory of ECS to find the moduli of any $\mathrm{SU}^{*}(6)$ structure. We relate these structures to the geometry of generic minimally supersymmetric flux backgrounds of M-theory of the form $\mathbb{R}^{4,1}\times M$, where the $\mathrm{SU}^{*}(6)$ moduli correspond to the hypermultiplet moduli in the lower-dimensional theory. Such geometries are of class zero or one. The former are equivalent to a choice of (non-metric-compatible) conventional $\mathrm{SL}(3,\mathbb{C})$ structure and strikingly have the same space of hypermultiplet moduli as the fluxless Calabi--Yau case.

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arXiv2021

$\mathcal{N}=2$ consistent truncations from wrapped M5-branes

We discuss consistent truncations of eleven-dimensional supergravity on a six-dimensional manifold $M$, preserving minimal $\mathcal{N}=2$ supersymmetry in five dimensions. These are based on $G_S \subseteq USp(6)$ structures for the generalised $E_{6(6)}$ tangent bundle on $M$, such that the intrinsic torsion is a constant $G_S$ singlet. We spell out the algorithm defining the full bosonic truncation ansatz and then apply this formalism to consistent truncations that contain warped AdS$_5 \times_{\rm w}M$ solutions arising from M5-branes wrapped on a Riemann surface. The generalised $U(1)$ structure associated with the $\mathcal{N}=2$ solution of Maldacena-Nuñez leads to five-dimensional supergravity with four vector multiplets, one hypermultiplet and $SO(3)\times U(1)\times \mathbb{R}$ gauge group. The generalised structure associated with "BBBW" solutions yields two vector multiplets, one hypermultiplet and an abelian gauging. We argue that these are the most general consistent truncations on such backgrounds.

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arXiv2021

G-algebroids: a unified framework for exceptional and generalised geometry, and Poisson-Lie duality

We introduce the notion of G-algebroid, generalising both Lie and Courant algebroids, as well as the algebroids used in $E_{n(n)}\times\mathbb{R}^+$ exceptional generalised geometry for $n\in\{3,\dots,6\}$. Focusing on the exceptional case, we prove a classification of "exact" algebroids and translate the related classification of Leibniz parallelisable spaces into a tractable algebraic problem. After discussing the general notion of Poisson-Lie duality, we show that the Poisson-Lie U-duality is compatible with the equations of motion of supergravity.

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arXiv2020

Heterotic backgrounds via generalised geometry: moment maps and moduli

We describe the geometry of generic heterotic backgrounds preserving minimal supersymmetry in four dimensions using the language of generalised geometry. They are characterised by an $SU(3)\times Spin(6+n)$ structure within $O(6,6+n)\times\mathbb{R}^+$ generalised geometry. Supersymmetry of the background is encoded in the existence of an involutive subbundle of the generalised tangent bundle and the vanishing of a moment map for the action of diffeomorphisms and gauge symmetries. We give both the superpotential and the Kähler potential for a generic background, showing that the latter defines a natural Hitchin functional for heterotic geometries. Intriguingly, this formulation suggests new connections to geometric invariant theory and an extended notion of stability. Finally we show that the analysis of infinitesimal deformations of these geometric structures naturally reproduces the known cohomologies that count the massless moduli of supersymmetric heterotic backgrounds.

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arXiv2019

Generalising G$_\text{2}$ geometry: involutivity, moment maps and moduli

We analyse the geometry of generic Minkowski $\mathcal{N}=1$, $D=4$ flux compactifications in string theory, the default backgrounds for string model building. In M-theory they are the natural string theoretic extensions of $\mathrm{G}_2$ holonomy manifolds. In type II theories, they extend the notion of Calabi--Yau geometry and include the class of flux backgrounds based on generalised complex structures first considered by Graña et al. (GMPT). Using $\mathrm{E}_{7(7)}\times\mathbb{R}^+$ generalised geometry we show that these compactifications are characterised by an $\mathrm{SU}(7)\subset\mathrm{E}_{7(7)}$ structure defining an involutive subbundle of the generalised tangent space, and with a vanishing moment map, corresponding to the action of the diffeomorphism and gauge symmetries of the theory. The Kähler potential on the space of structures defines a natural extension of Hitchin's $\mathrm{G}_2$ functional. Using this framework we are able to count, for the first time, the massless scalar moduli of GMPT solutions in terms of generalised geometry cohomology groups. It also provides an intriguing new perspective on the existence of $G_{2}$ manifolds, suggesting possible connections to Geometrical Invariant Theory and stability.

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arXiv2019

Systematics of consistent truncations from generalised geometry

We present a generalised geometry framework for systematically constructing consistent truncations of ten- and eleven-dimensional supergravity preserving varying fractions of supersymmetry. Truncations arise when there is a reduced structure group $G_S$ of the exceptional generalised geometry, such that the intrinsic torsion is a $G_S$-singlet. The matter content of the truncated theory follows from group-theoretical arguments, while the gauging is determined by the sub-algebra of generalised diffeomorphisms generated by the $G_S$-singlet vectors. After discussing the general ideas across different spacetime dimensions and amounts of supersymmetry, we provide detailed formulae for truncations to gauged half-maximal supergravity in five dimensions. In particular, we establish an expression for the generalised metric on the exceptional tangent bundle, which determines the scalar truncation ansatz. As applications, we show that this formalism gives a simple derivation of a new consistent truncation of type IIB supergravity on $β$-deformed Lunin-Maldacena geometries, yielding half-maximal supergravity coupled to two vector multiplets, and of the truncation of eleven-dimensional supergravity on Maldacena-Núñez geometries, given by $S^4$ twisted over a Riemann surface, which leads to half-maximal supergravity coupled to three vector multiplets.

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arXiv2016

Exceptional generalised geometry for massive IIA and consistent reductions

We develop an exceptional generalised geometry formalism for massive type IIA supergravity. In particular, we construct a deformation of the generalised Lie derivative, which generates the type IIA gauge transformations as modified by the Romans mass. We apply this new framework to consistent Kaluza-Klein reductions preserving maximal supersymmetry. We find a generalised parallelisation of the exceptional tangent bundle on S^6, and from this reproduce the consistent truncation ansatz and embedding tensor leading to dyonically gauged ISO(7) supergravity in four dimensions. We also discuss closely related hyperboloid reductions, yielding a dyonic ISO(p,7-p) gauging. Finally, while for vanishing Romans mass we find a generalised parallelisation on S^d, d=4,3,2, leading to a maximally supersymmetric reduction with gauge group SO(d+1) (or larger), we provide evidence that an analogous reduction does not exist in the massive theory.

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arXiv2016

Exactly marginal deformations from exceptional generalised geometry

We apply exceptional generalised geometry to the study of exactly marginal deformations of $\mathcal{N}=1$ SCFTs that are dual to generic AdS$_5$ flux backgrounds in type IIB or eleven-dimensional supergravity. In the gauge theory, marginal deformations are parametrised by the space of chiral primary operators of conformal dimension three, while exactly marginal deformations correspond to quotienting this space by the complexified global symmetry group. We show how the supergravity analysis gives a geometric interpretation of the gauge theory results. The marginal deformations arise from deformations of generalised structures that solve moment maps for the generalised diffeomorphism group and have the correct charge under the generalised Reeb vector, generating the R-symmetry. If this is the only symmetry of the background, all marginal deformations are exactly marginal. If the background possesses extra isometries, there are obstructions that come from fixed points of the moment maps. The exactly marginal deformations are then given by a further quotient by these extra isometries. Our analysis holds for any $\mathcal{N}=2$ AdS$_5$ flux background. Focussing on the particular case of type IIB Sasaki-Einstein backgrounds we recover the result that marginal deformations correspond to perturbing the solution by three-form flux at first order. In various explicit examples, we show that our expression for the three-form flux matches those in the literature and the obstruction conditions match the one-loop beta functions of the dual SCFT.

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arXiv2016

The exceptional generalised geometry of supersymmetric AdS flux backgrounds

We analyse generic AdS flux backgrounds preserving eight supercharges in $D=4$ and $D=5$ dimensions using exceptional generalised geometry. We show that they are described by a pair of globally defined, generalised structures, identical to those that appear for flat flux backgrounds but with different integrability conditions. We give a number of explicit examples of such "exceptional Sasaki-Einstein" backgrounds in type IIB supergravity and M-theory. In particular, we give the complete analysis of the generic AdS$_5$ M-theory backgrounds. We also briefly discuss the structure of the moduli space of solutions. In all cases, one structure defines a "generalised Reeb vector" that generates a Killing symmetry of the background corresponding to the R-symmetry of the dual field theory, and in addition encodes the generic contact structures that appear in the $D=4$ M-theory and $D=5$ type IIB cases. Finally, we investigate the relation between generalised structures and quantities in the dual field theory, showing that the central charge and R-charge of BPS wrapped-brane states are both encoded by the generalised Reeb vector, as well as discussing how volume minimisation (the dual of $a$- and $\mathcal{F}$-maximisation) is encoded.

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