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Gabi Zafrir

Publications and source records attributed to Gabi Zafrir.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2021

Compactifying 5d superconformal field theories to 3d

Building on recent progress in the study of compactifications of $6d$ $(1,0)$ superconformal field theories (SCFTs) on Riemann surfaces to $4d$ $\mathcal{N}=1$ theories, we initiate a systematic study of compactifications of $5d$ $\mathcal{N}=1$ SCFTs on Riemann surfaces to $3d$ $\mathcal{N}=2$ theories. Specifically, we consider the compactification of the so-called rank 1 Seiberg $E_{N_f+1}$ SCFTs on tori and tubes with flux in their global symmetry, and put the resulting $3d$ theories to various consistency checks. These include matching the (usually enhanced) IR symmetry of the $3d$ theories with the one expected from the compactification, given by the commutant of the flux in the global symmetry of the corresponding $5d$ SCFT, and identifying the spectrum of operators and conformal manifolds predicted by the $5d$ picture. As the models we examine are in three dimensions, we encounter novel elements that are not present in compactifications to four dimensions, notably Chern-Simons terms and monopole superpotentials, that play an important role in our construction. The methods used in this paper can also be used for the compactification of any other $5d$ SCFT that has a deformation leading to a $5d$ gauge theory.

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arXiv2020

More on $\mathcal{N} =2$ S-folds

We carry out a systematic study of 4d $\mathcal{N} = 2$ preserving S-folds of F-theory 7-branes and the worldvolume theories on D3-branes probing them. They consist of two infinite series of theories, which we denote following the original papers by $\mathcal{S}^{(r)}_{G,\ell}$ for $\ell = 2,3,4$ and $\mathcal{T}^{(r)}_{G,\ell}$ for $\ell = 2,3,4,5,6$. Their distinction lies in the discrete torsion carried by the S-fold and in the difference in the asymptotic holonomy of the gauge bundle on the 7-brane. We study various properties of these theories, using diverse field theoretical and string theoretical methods.

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arXiv2020

Classification of 5d N=1 gauge theories

We classify 5d N=1 gauge theories carrying a simple gauge group that can arise by mass-deforming 5d SCFTs and 6d SCFTs (compactified on a circle, possibly with a twist). For theories having a 6d UV completion, we determine the tensor branch data of the 6d SCFT and capture the twist in terms of the tensor branch data. We also determine the dualities between these 5d gauge theories, thus determining the sets of gauge theories having a common UV completion.

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arXiv2020

An N=1 Lagrangian for an N=3 SCFT

We propose that a certain $4d$ $\mathcal{N}=1$ $SU(2)\times SU(2)$ gauge theory flows in the IR to an $\mathcal{N}=3$ SCFT plus a single free chiral field. The specific $\mathcal{N}=3$ SCFT has rank $1$ and a dimension three Coulomb branch operator. The flow is generically expected to land at the $\mathcal{N}=3$ SCFT deformed by the marginal deformation associated with said Coulomb branch operator. We also present a discussion about the properties expected of various RG invariant quantities from $\mathcal{N}=3$ superconformal symmetry, and use these to test our proposal. Finally, we discuss a generalization to another $\mathcal{N}=1$ model that we propose is related to a certain rank $3$ $\mathcal{N}=3$ SCFT through the turning of certain marginal deformations.

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arXiv2020

Magnetic quivers for rank 1 theories

Magnetic quivers and Hasse diagrams for Higgs branches of rank 1 $4d$ $\mathcal{N}=2$ SCFTs are provided. These rank 1 theories fit naturally into families of higher rank theories, originating from higher dimensions, which are addressed.

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arXiv2020

Weakly coupled conformal manifolds in 4d

We classify ${\cal N}=1$ gauge theories with simple gauge groups in four dimensions which possess a conformal manifold passing through weak coupling. A very rich variety of models is found once one allows for arbitrary representations under the gauge group. For each such model we detail the dimension of the conformal manifold, the conformal anomalies, and the global symmetry preserved on a generic locus of the manifold. We also identify, at least some, sub-loci of the conformal manifolds preserving more symmetry than the generic locus. Several examples of applications of the classification are discussed. In particular we consider a conformal triality such that one of the triality frames is a $USp(6)$ gauge theory with six fields in the two index traceless antisymmetric representation. We discuss an IR dual of a conformal $Spin(5)$ gauge theory with two chiral superfields in the vector representation and one in the fourteen dimensional representation. Finally, an extension of the conformal manifold of ${\cal N}=2$ class ${\cal S}$ theories by conformally gauging symmetries corresponding to maximal punctures with the addition of two adjoint chiral superfields is commented upon.

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arXiv2020

Generalized symmetries and holography in ABJM-type theories

We revisit the N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons-matter theories and their supergravity duals in the context of generalized symmetries. This allows us to finally clarify how the $SU(N)\times SU(N)$ and $(SU(N)\times SU(N))/\mathbb{Z}_N$ theories, as well as other quotient theories that have recently been discussed, fit into the holographic framework. It also resolves a long standing puzzle regarding the di-baryon operator in the $U(N)\times U(N)$ theory.

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arXiv2020

Symmetry enhancement and duality walls in 5d gauge theories

Gauge theories in four dimensions can exhibit interesting low energy phenomena, such as infrared enhancements of global symmetry. We explore a class of 4d N=1 gauge theories arising from a construction that is motivated by duality walls in 5d gauge theories. Their quiver descriptions bear a resemblance to 4d theories obtained by compactifying 6d N=(1,0) superconformal field theories on a torus with fluxes, but with lower number of flavours and different number of gauge singlets and superpotentials. One of the main features of these theories is that they exhibit a flavour symmetry enhancement, and with supersymmetry enhancement for certain models, in the infrared. Properties of the superconformal fixed points of such theories are investigated in detail.

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arXiv2020

${\cal N}=1$ conformal duals of gauged $E_n$ MN models

We suggest three new ${\cal N}=1$ conformal dual pairs. First, we argue that the ${\cal N}=2$ $E_6$ Minahan-Nemeschansky (MN) theory with a $USp(4)$ subgroup of the $E_6$ global symmetry conformally gauged with an ${\cal N}=1$ vector multiplet and certain additional chiral multiplet matter resides at some cusp of the conformal manifold of an $SU(2)^5$ quiver gauge theory. Second, we argue that the ${\cal N}=2$ $E_7$ MN theory with an $SU(2)$ subgroup of the $E_7$ global symmetry conformally gauged with an ${\cal N}=1$ vector multiplet and certain additional chiral multiplet matter resides at some cusp of the conformal manifold of a conformal ${\cal N}=1$ $USp(4)$ gauge theory. Finally, we claim that the ${\cal N}=2$ $E_8$ MN theory with a $USp(4)$ subgroup of the $E_8$ global symmetry conformally gauged with an ${\cal N}=1$ vector multiplet and certain additional chiral multiplet matter resides at some cusp of the conformal manifold of an ${\cal N}=1$ $Spin(7)$ conformal gauge theory. We argue for the dualities using a variety of non-perturbative techniques including anomaly and index computations. The dualities can be viewed as ${\cal N}=1$ analogues of ${\cal N}=2$ Argyres-Seiberg/Argyres-Wittig duals of the $E_n$ MN models. We also briefly comment on an ${\cal N}=1$ version of the Schur limit of the superconformal index.

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arXiv2020

Rank $Q$ E-string on a torus with flux

We discuss compactifications of rank $Q$ E-string theory on a torus with fluxes for abelian subgroups of the $E_8$ global symmetry of the $6d$ SCFT. We argue that the theories corresponding to such tori are built from a simple model we denote as $E[USp(2Q)]$. This model has a variety of non trivial properties. In particular the global symmetry is $USp(2Q)\times USp(2Q)\times U(1)^2$ with one of the two $USp(2Q)$ symmetries emerging in the IR as an enhancement of an $SU(2)^Q$ symmetry of the UV Lagrangian. The $E[USp(2Q)]$ model after dimensional reduction to $3d$ and a subsequent Coulomb branch flow is closely related to the familiar $3d$ $T[SU(Q)]$ theory, the model residing on an S-duality domain wall of $4d$ $\mathcal{N}=4$ $SU(Q)$ SYM. Gluing the $E[USp(2Q)]$ models by gauging the $USp(2Q)$ symmetries with proper admixtures of chiral superfields gives rise to systematic constructions of many examples of $4d$ theories with emergent IR symmetries. We support our claims by various checks involving computations of anomalies and supersymmetric partition functions. Many of the needed identities satisfied by the supersymmetric indices follow directly from recent mathematical results obtained by E. Rains.

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arXiv2019

An N=1 Lagrangian for the rank 1 E6 superconformal theory

We propose that a certain $4d$ $\mathcal{N}=1$ $SU(4)$ gauge theory flows in the IR to the rank $1$ $\mathcal{N}=2$ strongly coupled SCFT with $E_6$ global symmetry and $25$ free chiral fields. This proposal is tested by comparing various RG invariant quantities, notably, anomalies and the superconformal index. We discuss the generalization to $\mathcal{N}=1$ $SU(2n+2)$ gauge theory models flowing in the IR to the $R_{(2,2n+1)}$ family of strongly coupled SCFTs plus free fields.

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arXiv2019

Symmetry enhancement in 4d Spin(n) gauge theories and compactification from 6d

We consider a known sequence of dualities involving $4d$ ${\cal N}=1$ theories with $Spin(n)$ gauge groups and use it to construct a new sequence of models exhibiting IR symmetry enhancement. Then, motivated by the observed pattern of IR symmetries we conjecture six-dimensional theories the compactification of which on a Riemann surface yields the $4d$ sequence of models along with their symmetry enhancements, and put them to several consistency checks.

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arXiv2019

From 6d flows to 4d flows

SCFTs in six dimensions are interrelated by networks of RG flows. Compactifying such models on a Riemann surface with flux for the $6d$ global symmetry, one can obtain a wide variety of theories in four dimensions. These four dimensional models are also related by a network of RG flows. In this paper we study some examples of four dimensional flows relating theories that can be obtained from six dimensions starting with different SCFTs connected by $6d$ RG flows. We compile a dictionary between different orders of such flows, $6d\to 6d\to 4d$ and $6d\to 4d\to 4d$, in the particular case when the six dimensional models are the ones residing on M5 branes probing different $A$-type singularities. The flows we study are triggered by vacuum expectation values (vevs) to certain operators charged under the six dimensional symmetry. We find that for generic choices of parameters the different orders of flows, $6d\to 6d\to 4d$ and $6d\to 4d\to 4d$, involve compactifications on different Riemann surfaces with the difference being in the number of punctures the surface has.

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arXiv2019

Reflection groups and 3d $\mathcal{N}\ge $ 6 SCFTs

We point out that the moduli spaces of all known 3d $\mathcal{N}=$ 8 and $\mathcal{N}=$ 6 SCFTs, after suitable gaugings of finite symmetry groups, have the form $\mathbb{C}^{4r}/Γ$ where $Γ$ is a real or complex reflection group depending on whether the theory is $\mathcal{N}=$ 8 or $\mathcal{N}=$ 6, respectively. Real reflection groups are either dihedral groups, Weyl groups, or two sporadic cases $H_{3,4}$. Since the BLG theories and the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories correspond to dihedral and Weyl groups, it is strongly suggested that there are two yet-to-be-discovered 3d $\mathcal{N}=$ 8 theories for $H_{3,4}$. We also show that all known $\mathcal{N}=$ 6 theories correspond to complex reflection groups collectively known as $G(k,x,N)$. Along the way, we demonstrate that two ABJM theories $(SU(N)_k\times SU(N)_{-k})/\mathbb{Z}_N$ and $(U(N)_k\times U(N)_{-k})/\mathbb{Z}_k$ are actually equivalent.

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arXiv2019

Compactifications of 6d $N = (1, 0)$ SCFTs with non-trivial Stiefel-Whitney classes

We consider compactifications of very Higgsable 6d $N =(1,0)$ SCFTs on $T^2$ with non-trivial Stiefel-Whitney classes (or equivalently 't Hooft magnetic fluxes) introduced for their flavor symmetry groups. These systems can also be studied as twisted $S^1$ compactifications of the corresponding 5d theories. We deduce various properties of the resulting 4d $N=2$ SCFTs by combining these two viewpoints. In particular, we find that all 4d rank-1 $N =2$ SCFTs with a dimension-6 Coulomb branch operator with flavor symmetry $\mathfrak{e}_8$, $\mathfrak{usp}(10)$, $\mathfrak{su}(4) $ and $\mathfrak{su}(3)$ can be uniformly obtained by starting from a single-tensor theory in 6d. We also have a mostly independent appendix where we propose a rule to determine the Coulomb branch dimensions of 4d $N =2$ theories obtained by $T^2$ compactifications of 6d very Higgsable theories with and without Stiefel-Whitney twist.

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arXiv2018

On the torus compactifications of $Z_2$ orbifolds of E-string theories

We consider the torus compactifications with flux of a class of $6d$ $(1,0)$ SCFTs that can be engineered as the low-energy theories on M$5$-branes near an M$9$-plane on a $C^2/Z_2$ singularity. Specifically, we concentrate on the two SCFTs where the $Z_2$ orbifold action acts non-trivially on the $E_8$ global symmetry. We analyze this problem by compactifying to $5d$, where we can exploit the relation to $5d$ duality domain walls. By a suitable guess of the domain wall theories, the resulting $4d$ theories can be conjectured. These can then be tested by comparing their properties, notably anomalies and symmetries, against the $6d$ expectations. These constructions lead to various interesting $4d$ phenomena like dualities and symmetry enhancements.

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arXiv2018

Curious patterns of IR symmetry enhancement

We study several cases of IR enhancements of global symmetry in four dimensions. In particular, we consider a sequence of $Spin(n+4)$ supersymmetric gauge theories ($8\geq n\geq 1$) with $n$ vectors and spinor matter with $32$ components. We show that the subgroup of the flavor symmetry of these theories rotating the matter in the spinor representations in the UV, when proper gauge singlet fields are added, enhances to the commutant of $SU(2)$ in $E_{9-n}$. We discuss several other interesting cases of enhanced symmetries and the interplay between symmetry enhancement and self-duality. We also make some observations about possible interconnections between chiral ring relations and symmetry enhancement. Finally, we conjecture relations of the discussed models to compactifications of certain conformal matter models in six dimensions on tori. The conjecture is based on deriving a relation between five dimensional models with $Spin$ gauge groups and conformal theories in six dimensions. As a by product of our considerations we discover a new instance of a simple self-duality of a theory with an $SU(6)$ gauge group.

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