arXiv subjects

Fabrizio Nieri

Publications and source records attributed to Fabrizio Nieri.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Localization, Factorization and Dualities for Elliptic Kernels

We study the exact partition function of 4d $\mathcal N=1$ supersymmetric gauge theories on a torus times a cylinder $\mathrm{Cyl}=I\times S^1$, where $I$ is a finite interval carrying two boundary components. Each endpoint supports an independent Dirichlet or Robin-like boundary polarization, so that the partition function is a boundary-to-boundary elliptic kernel. We construct the rigid supersymmetric geometry, determine the BPS locus, and compute the chiral-multiplet 1-loop determinants for the four possible boundary polarizations via equivariant localization. The resulting elementary building blocks are theta functions dressed by cubic phases. We then prove rank-changing Seiberg-type dualities as identities of Jeffrey--Kirwan residues of these elliptic kernels. We also discuss factorization into holomorphic-block cap wavefunctions represented by elliptic Gamma functions, dimensional reductions to three and two dimensions, complete-intersection gauged linear sigma models, and elliptic kernels for 4d $\mathcal N=4$ super Yang--Mills and the Klebanov--Witten theory, useful for holographic applications.

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arXiv2025

Trace Formulas for Deformed W-Algebras

We investigate trace formulas in $\varepsilon$-deformed W-algebras, highlighting a novel connection to the modular double of $\mathfrak{q}$-deformed W-algebras. In particular, we show that torus correlators in the additive (Yangian) setting reproduce sphere correlators in the trigonometric setup, possibly with the inclusion of a non-perturbative completion. From a dual perspective, this mechanism implements a gauge theoretic 2d$\to$3d uplift, where a circle direction in the world-sheet transmutes to a compact space-time direction in a non-trivial manner. We further discuss a unified picture of deformed W-algebras driven by trace formulas, suggesting a deeper algebraic layer related to the massive and massless form-factor approach to integrable QFT and 2d CFT.

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arXiv2022

Defects at the Intersection: the Supergroup Side

We consider two seemingly different theories in the $Ω$-background: one arises upon the most generic Higgsing of a 5d $\mathcal{N}=1$ $\text{U}(N)$ gauge theory coupled to matter, yielding a 3d-1d intersecting defect; the other one arises upon simple Higgsing of a 5d $\mathcal{N}=1$ $\text{U}(N|M)$ supergroup gauge theory coupled to super-matter, yielding another defect. The cases $N=M=1$ are discussed in detail via equivariant localization to matrix-like models. The first theory exhibits itself a supergroup-like structure, which can be motivated via non-perturbative string dualities, and in a matter decoupling limit it is argued to be dual to a supergroup version of refined Chern-Simons theory. Furthermore, it is observed that the partition functions of the two defect theories are related by analytic continuation in one of the equivariant parameters. We find a common origin in the algebraic engineering through $q$-Virasoro screening currents. Another simple Higgsing of the 5d $\mathcal{N}=1$ $\text{U}(1|1)$ yields a single component defect whose partition function is reminiscent of ordinary refined Chern-Simons on a lens space.

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arXiv2021

Intersecting Defects and Supergroup Gauge Theory

We consider 5d supersymmetric gauge theories with unitary groups in the $Ω$-background and study codim-2/4 BPS defects supported on orthogonal planes intersecting at the origin along a circle. The intersecting defects arise upon implementing the most generic Higgsing (geometric transition) to the parent higher dimensional theory, and they are described by pairs of 3d supersymmetric gauge theories with unitary groups interacting through 1d matter at the intersection. We explore the relations between instanton and generalized vortex calculus, pointing out a duality between intersecting defects subject to the $Ω$-background and a deformation of supergroup gauge theories, the exact supergroup point being achieved in the self-dual or unrefined limit. Embedding our setup into refined topological strings and in the simplest case when the parent 5d theory is Abelian, we are able to identify the supergroup theory dual to the intersecting defects as the supergroup version of refined Chern-Simons theory via open/closed duality. We also discuss the BPS/CFT side of the correspondence, finding an interesting large rank duality with super-instanton counting.

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arXiv2020

Localization of 4d $\mathcal{N}=1$ theories on $\mathbb{D}^2\times \mathbb{T}^2$

We consider 4d $\mathcal{N}=1$ gauge theories with R-symmetry on a hemisphere times a torus. We apply localization techniques to evaluate the exact partition function through a cohomological reformulation of the supersymmetry transformations. Our results represent the natural elliptic lifts of the lower dimensional analogs as well as a field theoretic derivation of the conjectured 4d holomorphic blocks, from which partition functions of compact spaces with diverse topology can be recovered through gluing. We also analyze the different boundary conditions which can naturally be imposed on the chiral multiplets, which turn out to be either Dirichlet or Robin-like. We show that different boundary conditions are related to each other by coupling the bulk to 3d $\mathcal{N}=1$ degrees of freedom on the boundary three-torus, for which we derive explicit 1-loop determinants.

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arXiv2020

Quiver $\text{W}_{ε_1,ε_2}$ algebras of 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ gauge theories

We construct an $ε$-deformation of W algebras, corresponding to the additive version of quiver $\text{W}_{q,t^{-1}}$ algebras which feature prominently in the 5d version of the BPS/CFT correspondence and refined topological strings on toric Calabi-Yau's. This new type of algebras fill in the missing intermediate level between $q$-deformed and ordinary W algebras. We show that $ε$-deformed W algebras are spectral duals of conventional W algebras, in particular the $ε$-deformed conformal blocks manifestly reproduce instanton partition functions of 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ quiver gauge theories in the full $Ω$-background and give dual integral representations of ordinary W conformal blocks.

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arXiv2018

3d Mirror Symmetry from S-duality

We consider type IIB $SL(2,\mathbb{Z})$ symmetry to relate the partition functions of different 5d supersymmetric Abelian linear quiver Yang-Mills theories in the $Ω$-background and squashed $S^5$ background. By Higgsing S-dual theories, we extract new and old 3d mirror pairs. Generically, the Higgsing procedure yields 3d defects on intersecting spaces, and we derive new hyperbolic integral identities expressing the equivalence of the squashed $S^3$ partition functions with additional degrees of freedom on the $S^1$ intersection.

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arXiv2018

Bootstrapping the $S^5$ partition function

We consider $U(N)$ SQCD on $S^5$ and propose a Higgs branch-like expression for its partition function. We support the result by arguing that the knowledge of certain BPS codimension 2 and 4 defects arising from Higgsing is enough to reconstruct the bulk partition function, and that the defect partition functions satisfy a set of non-perturbative Schwinger-Dyson equations. We show that the result is consistent with, and naturally come from, the BPS/CFT perspective. In this language, the defect partition functions are identified with free boson correlators of the $q$-Virasoro modular triple, and the constraint equations with Ward identities satisfied by the corresponding Dotsenko-Fateev $q$-conformal blocks, providing a natural basis to expand the $S^5$ partition function.

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arXiv2018

3d Expansions of 5d Instanton Partition Functions

We propose a set of novel expansions of Nekrasov's instanton partition functions. Focusing on 5d supersymmetric pure Yang-Mills theory with unitary gauge group on $\mathbb{C}^2_{q,t^{-1}} \times \mathbb{S}^1$, we show that the instanton partition function admits expansions in terms of partition functions of unitary gauge theories living on the 3d subspaces $\mathbb{C}_{q} \times \mathbb{S}^1$, $\mathbb{C}_{t^{-1}} \times \mathbb{S}^1$ and their intersection along $\mathbb{S}^1$. These new expansions are natural from the BPS/CFT viewpoint, as they can be matched with $W_{q,t}$ correlators involving an arbitrary number of screening charges of two kinds. Our constructions generalize and interpolate existing results in the literature.

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arXiv2017

An elliptic Virasoro symmetry in 6d

We define an elliptic deformation of the Virasoro algebra. We argue that the $\mathbb{R}^4\times \mathbb{T}^2$ Nekrasov partition function reproduces the chiral blocks of this algebra. We support this proposal by showing that at special points in the moduli space the 6d Nekrasov partition function reduces to the partition function of a 4d vortex theory supported on $\mathbb{R}^2\times \mathbb{T}^2$, which is in turn captured by a free field correlator of vertex operators and screening charges of the elliptic Virasoro algebra.

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arXiv2017

$q$-Virasoro modular triple

Inspired by 5d supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories placed on the compact space $\mathbb{S}^5$, we propose an intriguing algebraic construction for the $q$-Virasoro algebra. We show that, when multiple $q$-Virasoro "chiral" sectors have to be fused together, a natural $\mathrm{SL}(3,\mathbb{Z})$ structure arises. This construction, which we call the modular triple, is consistent with the observed triple factorization properties of supersymmetric partition functions derived from localization arguments. We also give a 2d CFT-like construction of the modular triple, and conjecture for the first time a (non-local) Lagrangian formulation for a $q$-Virasoro model, resembling ordinary Liouville theory.

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arXiv2017

Elliptic modular double and 4d partition functions

We consider 4d supersymmetric (special) unitary $Γ$ quiver gauge theories on compact manifolds which are $T^2$ fibrations over $S^2$. We show that their partition functions are correlators of vertex operators and screening charges of the modular double version of elliptic $W_{q,t;q'}(Γ)$ algebras. We also consider a generating function of BPS surface defects supported on $T^2$ and show that it can be identified with a particular coherent state in the Fock module over the elliptic Heisenberg algebra.

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arXiv2017

$q$-Virasoro modular double and 3d partition functions

We study partition functions of 3d $\mathcal{N}=2$ U(N) gauge theories on compact manifolds which are $S^1$ fibrations over $S^2$. We show that the partition functions are free field correlators of vertex operators and screening charges of the $q$-Virasoro modular double, which we define. The inclusion of supersymmetric Wilson loops in arbitrary representations allows us to show that the generating functions of Wilson loop vacuum expectation values satisfy two SL(2,$\mathbb{Z}$)-related commuting sets of $q$-Virasoro constraints. We generalize our construction to 3d $\mathcal{N}=2$ unitary quiver gauge theories and as an example we give the free boson realization of the ABJ(M) model.

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arXiv2015

Factorisation and holomorphic blocks in 4d

We study N=1 theories on Hermitian manifolds of the form M^4=S^1xM^3 with M^3 a U(1) fibration over S^2, and their 3d N=2 reductions. These manifolds admit an Heegaard-like decomposition in solid tori D^2xT^2 and D^2xS^1. We prove that when the 4d and 3d anomalies are cancelled the matrix integrands in the Coulomb branch partition functions can be factorised in terms of 1-loop factors on D^2xT^2 and D^2xS^1 respectively. By evaluating the Coulomb branch matrix integrals we show that the 4d and 3d partition functions can be expressed as sums of products of 4d and 3d holomorphic blocks.

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arXiv2014

5D partition functions, q-Virasoro systems and integrable spin-chains

We analyze N = 1 theories on S5 and S4 x S1, showing how their partition functions can be written in terms of a set of fundamental 5d holomorphic blocks. We demonstrate that, when the 5d mass parameters are analytically continued to suitable values, the S5 and S4 x S1 partition functions degenerate to those for S3 and S2 x S1. We explain this mechanism via the recently proposed correspondence between 5d partition functions and correlators with underlying q-Virasoro symmetry. From the q-Virasoro 3-point functions, we axiomatically derive a set of associated reflection coefficients, and show they can be geometrically interpreted in terms of Harish-Chandra c-functions for quantum symmetric spaces. We then link these particular c-functions to the types appearing in the Jost functions encoding the asymptotics of the scattering in integrable spin chains, obtained taking different limits of the XYZ model to XXZ-type.

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arXiv2013

3d & 5d gauge theory partition functions as q-deformed CFT correlators

3d N=2 partition functions on the squashed three-sphere and on the twisted product S2xS1 have been shown to factorize into sums of squares of solid tori partition functions, the so-called holomorphic blocks. The same set of holomorphic blocks realizes squashed three-sphere and S2xS1 partition functions but the two cases involve different inner products, the S-pairing and the id-pairing respectively. We define a class of q-deformed CFT correlators where conformal blocks are controlled by a deformation of Virasoro symmetry and are paired by S-pairing and id-pairing respectively. Applying the bootstrap approach to a class of degenerate correlators we are able to derive three-point functions. We show that degenerate correlators can be mapped to 3d partition functions while the crossing symmetry of CFT correlators corresponds to the flop symmetry of 3d gauge theories. We explore how non-degenerate q-deformed correlators are related to 5d partition functions. We argue that id-pairing correlators are associated to the superconformal index on S4xS1 while S-pairing three-point function factors capture the one-loop part of S5 partition functions. This is consistent with the interpretation of S2xS1 and squashed three-sphere gauge theories as codimension two defect theories inside S4xS1 and S5 respectively.

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arXiv2012

Correlators of Hopf Wilson loops in the AdS/CFT correspondence

We study at quantum level correlators of supersymmetric Wilson loops with contours lying on Hopf fibers of $S^3$. In $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM theory the strong coupling analysis can be performed using the AdS/CFT correspondence and a connected classical string surface, linking two different fibers, is presented. More precisely, the string solution describes oppositely oriented fibers with the same scalar coupling and depends on an angular parameter, interpolating between a non-BPS configuration and a BPS one. The system can be thought as an alternative deformation of the ordinary antiparallel lines giving the static quark-antiquark potential, that is indeed correctly reproduced, at weak and strong coupling, as the fibers approach one another.

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