arXiv subjects

Fabio Apruzzi

Publications and source records attributed to Fabio Apruzzi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Gaillard-Zumino non-invertible symmetries

We uncover an infinite class of novel zero-form non-invertible symmetries in a broad family of four-dimensional models, studied years ago by Gaillard and Zumino (GZ), which includes several extended supergravities as particular subcases. The GZ models consist of abelian gauge fields coupled to a neutral sector, typically including a set of scalars, whose equations of motion are classically invariant under a continuous group $\mathscr{G}$ acting on the electric and magnetic field strengths via symplectic transformations. The standard lore holds that, at the quantum level, these symmetries are broken to an integral subgroup $\mathscr{G}_\mathbb{Z}$. We show that, in fact, a much larger subgroup $\mathscr{G}_\mathbb{Q}$ survives, albeit through non-invertible topological defects. We explicitly construct these defects and compute some of their fusion rules. As illustrative examples, we consider the axion-dilaton-Maxwell model and the bosonic sector of a class of $\mathcal{N}=2$ supergravities of the kind that appear in type II Calabi-Yau compactifications. Finally, we comment on how (part of) these non-invertible zero-form symmetries can be broken by gauging the $\mathscr{G}_\mathbb{Z}$ subgroup of invertible symmetries.

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arXiv2025

New punctures for six-dimensional compactifications

Six-dimensional superconformal field theories (SCFTs) give rise to four-dimensional (4d) ones when compactified on Riemann surfaces. In the $\mathcal{N}=(2,0)$ case, this yields the famous class S family. For $\mathcal{N}=(1,0)$ theories that arise from linear unitary quivers, the holographic duals of the 4d theories are known in massive IIA supergravity, but only without punctures. Working in the probe approximation, we identify all possible BPS punctures in these models and characterize them by computing their defect Weyl anomalies. For class S, our results reproduce the known expressions in the appropriate limit. In the more general $\mathcal{N}=(1,0)$ case, they predict new 4d SCFTs and their large-$N$ anomaly coefficients.

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arXiv2025

Symmetry TFTs for Continuous Spacetime Symmetries

We propose a Symmetry Topological Field Theory (SymTFT) for continuous spacetime symmetries. For a $d$-dimensional theory, it is given by a $(d+1)$-dimensional BF-theory for the spacetime symmetry group, and whenever $d$ is even, it can also include Chern-Simons couplings that encode conformal and gravitational anomalies. We study the boundary conditions for this SymTFT and describe the general setup to study symmetry breaking of spacetime symmetries. We then specialize to the conformal symmetry case and derive the dilaton action for conformal symmetry breaking. To further substantiate that our setup captures spacetime symmetries, we demonstrate that the topological defects of the SymTFT realize the associated spacetime symmetry transformations. Finally, we study the relation to gravity and holography. The proposal classically coincides with two-dimensional Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity for $d=1$ as well as the topological limit of four-dimensional gravity in the $d=3$ case.

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arXiv2025

SymTFT construction of gapless exotic-foliated dual models

We construct Symmetry Topological Field Theories (SymTFTs) for continuous subsystem symmetries, which are inherently non-Lorentz-invariant. Our framework produces dual bulk descriptions -- gapped foliated and exotic SymTFTs -- that generate gapless boundary theories with spontaneous subsystem symmetry breaking via interval compactification. In analogy with the sandwich construction of SymTFT, we call this Mille-feuille. This is done by specifying gapped and symmetry-breaking boundary conditions. In this way we obtain the foliated dual realizations of various models, including the XY plaquette, XYZ cube, and $\phi$, $\hat{\phi}$ theories. This also captures self-duality symmetries as condensation defects and provides a systematic method for generating free theories that non-linearly realize subsystem symmetries.

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arXiv2024

Non-Invertible Symmetries in 6d from Green-Schwarz Automorphisms

We construct non-invertible symmetries in 6d $\mathcal{N}=(2,0)$ superconformal field theories that arise from Green-Schwarz (GS) automorphisms, which form abelian or non-abelian groups. Applied to $\mathbb{Z}_2$, $\mathbb{Z}_3$ and $S_3$ GS automorphisms, gives rise to non-invertible duality, triality and $S_3$-ality defects, respectively, once combined with stacking symmetry protected topological phases (SPTs) and gauging 2-form symmetries. We derive the defects and their fusion rules from two distinct perspectives: from half-space gauging as well as from the Symmetry Topological Field Theory (SymTFT). This is the first concrete construction of symmetry defects in 6d forming a fusion 5-category whose fusions are intrinsically non-invertible and non-abelian.

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arXiv2024

Superconformal anomalies for string defects in six-dimensional $\mathcal{N} = (1,0)$ SCFTs

We study the anomalies of two-dimensional BPS defects in six-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=(1,0)$ superconformal field theories. Using a holographic description of these defects furnished by probe D4-branes in AdS${}_7$ solutions of ten-dimensional type IIA supergravity, we compute the two independent defect Weyl anomalies from the on-shell action for a spherical defect and defect sphere entanglement entropy. We find agreement between the holographic prediction for the defect A-type anomaly coming from the defect sphere free energy and the leading large $N$ contribution to the defect `t Hooft anomaly found using anomaly inflow. We also find agreement between the holographic computation of the expectation value of a surface operator wrapping a torus and the supersymmetric localization computation for a circular Wilson loop in $\mathcal{N}=1$ super Yang-Mills theory on $S^5$. Lastly, we holographically compute the defect gravitational anomaly from the Wess-Zumino action of the probe D4-brane, which provides a subleading large $N$ correction to the defect A-type anomaly.

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arXiv2024

SymTh for non-finite symmetries

Symmetry topological field theory (SymTFT) is a convenient tool for studying finite generalized symmetries of a given quantum field theory (QFT). In particular, SymTFTs encode all the symmetry structures and properties, including anomalies. Recently, this tool has been applied for non-finite symmetries as well. In this paper, we take a different route, which consists of considering a free theory rather than a topological field theory in the bulk. We call it Symmetry Theory (SymTh). We study its topological operators together with the free boundary conditions. We also propose a procedure that is analogous to the sandwich construction of SymTFTs and allows us to obtain the physical QFT. We apply this to many examples, ranging from abelian $p$-form symmetries to 2-groups, and the (solvable) case of group-like symmetries in quantum mechanics. Finally, we provide a derivation of the SymTh of $\mathbb Q/ \mathbb Z$ non-invertible symmetries from the dimensional reduction of IIB supergravity on the conifold. In addition, we give an ultraviolet interpretation of the quantum Hall states dressing the non-invertible $\mathbb Q/ \mathbb Z$ topological defects, in terms of branes in the IIB supergravity background.

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arXiv2023

Aspects of Categorical Symmetries from Branes: SymTFTs and Generalized Charges

Recently it has been observed that branes in geometric engineering and holography have a striking connection with generalized global symmetries. In this paper we argue that branes, in a certain topological limit, not only furnish the symmetry generators, but also encode the so-called Symmetry Topological Field Theory (or SymTFT). For a $d$-dimensional QFT, this is a $(d+1)$-dimensional topological field theory, whose topological defects encode both the symmetry generators (invertible or non-invertible) and the generalized charges. Mathematically, the topological defects form the Drinfeld center of the symmetry category of the QFT. In this paper we derive the SymTFT and the Drinfeld center topological defects directly from branes. Central to the identification of these are Hanany-Witten brane configurations, which encode both topological couplings in the SymTFT and the generalized charges under the symmetries. We exemplify the general analysis with examples of QFTs realized in geometric engineering or holography.

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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

Non-Invertible Symmetries from Holography and Branes

We propose a systematic approach to deriving symmetry generators of Quantum Field Theories in holography. Central to this are the Gauss law constraints in the Hamiltonian quantization of Symmetry Topological Field Theories (SymTFTs), which are obtained from supergravity. In turn we realize the symmetry generators from world-volume theories of D-branes in holography. Our main focus is on non-invertible symmetries, which have emerged in the past year as a new type of symmetry in $d\geq 4$ QFTs. We exemplify our proposal in the holographic confinement setup, dual to 4d $\mathcal{N}=1$ Super-Yang Mills. In the brane-picture, the fusion of non-invertible symmetries naturally arises from the Myers effect on D-branes. In turn, their action on line defects is modeled by the Hanany-Witten effect.

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arXiv2022

Higher Form Symmetries TFT in 6d

Symmetries and anomalies of a $d$-dimensional quantum field theory are often encoded in a $(d+1)$-dimensional topological action, called symmetry topological field theory (TFT). We derive the symmetry TFT for the 2-form and 1-form symmetries of 6d $(1,0)$ field theories, focusing on theories with a single tensor multiplet (rank 1). We implement this by coupling the low-energy tensor branch action to the background fields for the higher-form symmetries and by looking at the symmetry transformation rules on dynamical and background fields. These transformation rules also imply a mixing of the higher-form symmetries in a 3-group structure. For some specific and related higher rank cases, we also derive the symmetry TFT from the holographic dual IIA supergravity solutions. The symmetry TFT action contains a coupling between the 2-form symmetry and the 1-form symmetry backgrounds, which leads to a mixed anomaly between the 1-form symmetries of the 5d KK-theory obtained by circle compactification. We confirm this by a pure 5d analysis provided by the 5d effective low-energy Coulomb branch Lagrangian coupled to background fields. We also derive the symmetry TFT for 5d $SU(p)$ supersymmetric gauge theories with Chern-Simons level $q$ and for 5d theories without non-abelian gauge theory description at low-energy. Finally, we discuss the fate of the 2-form and 1-form symmetry of rank 1 6d field theories when coupled to gravity.

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arXiv2021

Symmetry TFTs from String Theory

We determine the $d+1$ dimensional topological field theory, which encodes the higher-form symmetries and their 't Hooft anomalies for $d$-dimensional QFTs obtained by compactifying M-theory on a non-compact space $X$. The resulting theory, which we call the Symmetry TFT, or SymTFT for short, is derived by reducing the topological sector of 11d supergravity on the boundary $\partial X$ of the space $X$. Central to this endeavour is a reformulation of supergravity in terms of differential cohomology, which allows the inclusion of torsion in cohomology of the space $\partial X$, which in turn gives rise to the background fields for discrete (in particular higher-form) symmetries. We apply this framework to 7d super-Yang Mills where $X= \mathbb{C}^2/\Gamma_{ADE}$, as well as the Sasaki-Einstein links of Calabi-Yau three-fold cones that give rise to 5d superconformal field theories. This M-theory analysis is complemented with a IIB 5-brane web approach, where we derive the SymTFTs from the asymptotics of the 5-brane webs. Our methods apply to both Lagrangian and non-Lagrangian theories, and allow for many generalisations.

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arXiv2021

2-Group Symmetries and their Classification in 6d

We uncover 2-group symmetries in 6d superconformal field theories. These symmetries arise when the discrete 1-form symmetry and continuous flavor symmetry group of a theory mix with each other. We classify all 6d superconformal field theories with such 2-group symmetries. The approach taken in 6d is applicable more generally, with minor modifications to include dimension specific operators (such as instantons in 5d and monopoles in 3d), and we provide a discussion of the dimension-independent aspects of the analysis. We include an ancillary mathematica code for computing 2-group symmetries, once the dimension specific input is provided. We also discuss a mixed 't Hooft anomaly between discrete 0-form and 1-form symmetries in 6d.

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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

The Global Form of Flavor Symmetries and 2-Group Symmetries in 5d SCFTs

2-group symmetries arise when 1-form symmetries and 0-form symmetries of a theory mix with each other under group multiplication. We discover the existence of 2-group symmetries in 5d N=1 abelian gauge theories arising on the (non-extended) Coulomb branch of 5d superconformal field theories (SCFTs), leading us to argue that the UV 5d SCFT itself admits a 2-group symmetry. Furthermore, our analysis determines the global forms of the 0-form flavor symmetry groups of 5d SCFTs, irrespective of whether or not the 5d SCFT admits a 1-form symmetry. As a concrete application of our method, we analyze 2-group symmetries of all 5d SCFTs, which reduce in the IR, after performing mass deformations, to 5d N=1 non-abelian gauge theories with simple, simply connected gauge groups. For rank-1 Seiberg theories, we check that our predictions for the flavor symmetry groups match with the superconformal and ray indices available in the literature. We also comment on the mixed 't Hooft anomaly between 1-form and 0-form symmetries arising in 5d N=1 non-abelian gauge theories and its relation to the 2-groups.

hep-th↗

arXiv2021

Holography, 1-Form Symmetries, and Confinement

We study confinement in 4d $\mathcal{N}=1$ $SU(N)$ Super-Yang Mills (SYM) from a holographic point of view, focusing on the 1-form symmetry and its relation to chiral symmetry breaking. In the 5d supergravity dual, obtained by truncation of the Klebanov-Strassler solution, we identify the topological couplings that determine the 1-form symmetry and its 't Hooft anomalies. One such coupling is a mixed 0-form/1-form symmetry anomaly closely related to chiral symmetry breaking in gapped confining vacua. From the dual gravity description we also identify the infra-red (IR) 4d topological field theory (TQFT), which realises chiral symmetry breaking and matches the mixed anomaly. Finally, complementing this, we derive the chiral and mixed anomalies from the Little String Theory realization of pure SYM.

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arXiv2020

The Fate of Discrete 1-Form Symmetries in 6d

Recently introduced generalized global symmetries have been useful in order to understand non-perturbative aspects of quantum field theories in four and lower dimensions. In this paper we focus on 1-form symmetries of weakly coupled 6d supersymmetric gauge theories coupled to dynamical tensor multiplets. We study the consistency of global 1-form symmetries corresponding to the center of the gauge groups, or subgroups thereof, by activating their background fields, which makes the instanton density fractional. In 6d, an instanton background for a given gauge theory sources BPS strings via tadpole cancellation. The non-trivial 1-form symmetry background configurations contribute to the charge of the BPS strings. However, Dirac quantization imposes restrictions on the consistent 1-form backgrounds, since they can in general lead to and induce fractional charges, thus making (part of) the putative higher-form symmetry inconsistent. This gives explicit criteria to determine whether the discrete 1-form symmetries are realized. We implement these criteria in concrete examples originating from string compactifications. We also corroborate this by finding that a non-trivial fractional contribution is related to states which explicitly break the global 1-form symmetry appearing as massive excitations of the 6d BPS strings. For 6d theories consistently coupled to gravity, this hints at a symmetry breaking tower of states. When the fractional contributions are absent, the F-theory realization of the theories points to the gauging of the 1-form symmetry via the presence of non-trivial Mordell--Weil torsion.

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arXiv2020

General Prescription for Global U(1)'s in 6D SCFTs

We present a general prescription for determining the global U(1) symmetries of six-dimensional superconformal field theories (6D SCFTs). We use the quiver-like gauge theory description of the tensor branch to identify candidate U(1) symmetries which can act on generalized matter. The condition that these candidate U(1)'s are free of Adler-Bell-Jackiw (ABJ) anomalies provides bottom-up constraints for U(1)'s. This agrees with the answer obtained from symmetry breaking patterns induced by Higgs branch flows. We provide numerous examples illustrating the details of this proposal. In the F-theory realization of these theories, some of these symmetries originate from deformations of non-abelian flavor symmetries localized on a component of the discriminant, while others come from an additional generator of the Mordell-Weil group. We also provide evidence that some of these global U(1)'s do not arise from gauge symmetries, as would happen in taking a decoupling limit of a model coupled to six-dimensional supergravity.

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