arXiv subjects

Hee-Cheol Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Hee-Cheol Kim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Intersection Bounds for BPS Strings in Six-Dimensional Supergravity

In six-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=(1,0)$ supergravity, the structure of tensor moduli space is governed by primitive BPS string charges known as BPS generators and their intersection pairing. We derive bounds on the intersection numbers of these generators from a purely effective field theory (EFT) perspective. Although gauge anomaly cancellation constrains intersections between generators supporting gauge algebras, bounds for E-strings intersecting generators with self-intersection numbers $-2$ and $-3$ have previously remained incomplete. We show that the Zariski decomposition, interpreted as the charge lattice counterpart of the attractor mechanism, together with current algebra embeddings on the E-string worldsheet theory, yields strong universal bounds on these intersection numbers. These results establish the finiteness of tensor charge intersection numbers up to duality. The underlying structure was identified through AI-guided investigation and is proven here analytically using EFT arguments.

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arXiv2026

6d Supergravity Blocks

We propose a systematic framework for constructing six-dimensional supergravity theories with eight supercharges that respect all known consistency constraints, including anomaly cancellation and the non-perturbative ${\it H}$-string constraints recently discovered by Kim, Vafa, and Xu. The basic objects in this framework are ${\it supergravity\,blocks}$, which are minimal collections of tensor multiplets consisting of a single little string theory sharing the ${\it H}$-string charge together with additional tensors whose string charges intersect it positively. A characteristic feature of each supergravity block is that its Gram matrix has exactly one positive eigenvalue, and therefore it necessarily contains gravitational BPS strings that cannot become tensionless anywhere in tensor moduli space. Any consistent 6d $(1,0)$ supergravity theory can then be obtained by gluing compatible blocks and subsequently enhancing the gauge algebras and matter content. As a first step toward establishing this framework concretely, we provide a complete classification of the ${\it non\text{-}Higgsable\,supergravity\,blocks}$, (or ${\it non\text{-}Higgsable\,gravity\,blocks}$ for short) namely those built from tensor multiplets that support only non-Higgsable gauge algebras.

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arXiv2026

On non-relativistic integrable models and 4d SCFTs

We elaborate on the relation between the generalized Schur index of $N=2$ SCFTs in four dimensions and the non-relativistic limit of the elliptic Ruijsenaars-Schneider model. In particular we discuss explicitly how to express generalized Schur indices of theories of class $S$ in terms of elliptic Jack functions. For example, in the $A_1$ case the indices are given naturally in terms of eigenfunctions of the Lam\'{e} equation. We use the expression in terms of eigenfunctions to further check the recent observation that the generalized Schur indices of different theories in the Deligne-Cvitanovi\'{c} series can be mapped onto each other. This mapping implies non trivial identities on unrefined sums of eigenfunctions of non-relativistic elliptic Calogero-Moser models associated to different root systems. We claim then that the non-relativistic limits of various integrable models give rise naturally to generalized Schur-like limits of classes of $N=1$ SCFTs. As an example we discuss the relation of the Inozemtsev model, the non relativistic limit of the van Diejen model, and compactifications of the rank $Q$ E-string theory. We argue that in general the ``Schur index'' of $N=1$ $4d$ SCFTs can be understood as being related to the free fermionic limit of a non-relativistic integrable model.

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arXiv2025

Bounds on Discrete Gauge Symmetries in Supergravity

We place bounds on the order of enhanced discrete gauge symmetries that act on massless fields and thus arise at subloci of the moduli space in supergravity theories. We focus on supersymmetric theories with 8 or more supercharges which in some cases lead to sharp upper bounds realized by specific string constructions.

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arXiv2025

Hybrid Classical-Quantum Sampling for Lattice Scalar Field Theory

We investigate lattice scalar field theory in two-dimensional Euclidean space via a quantum annealer. To accommodate the quartic interaction terms, we introduce three schemes for rewriting them as quadratic polynomials through the use of auxiliary qubits. These methods are applied on D-Wave quantum annealer, and their effectiveness is assessed by examining the annealer-generated distributions. Using these distributions, we perform Monte Carlo sampling via the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm and compare the outcomes with those from classical Metropolis simulations.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2025

Most two-dimensional bosonic topological orders forbid sign-problem-free quantum Monte Carlo: Nonpositive Gauss sum as an indicator

Quantum Monte Carlo is a powerful tool for studying quantum many-body physics, yet its efficacy is often curtailed by the notorious sign problem. In this Letter, we introduce a novel criterion for the "intrinsic" sign problem in two-dimensional bosonic topological orders, which cannot be resolved by local basis transformations or adiabatic deformations of the Hamiltonian. Specifically, we find that the positivity of higher Gauss sums is a necessary condition for a two-dimensional bosonic topological order to be realized by a stoquastic Hamiltonian, and hence sign-problem-free. Equivalently, a nonpositive higher Gauss sum for a given topological order indicates the presence of an intrinsic sign problem. This condition not only aligns with prior findings but significantly broadens their scope. Using this new criterion, we examine the Gauss sums of all 405 bosonic topological orders classified up to rank 12, and strikingly find that 398 of them exhibit intrinsic sign problems. We also uncover intriguing links between the intrinsic sign problem, gappability of boundary theories, and time-reversal symmetry, suggesting that sign-problem-free quantum Monte Carlo may fundamentally rely on both time-reversal symmetry and gapped boundaries. These results highlight the deep connection between the intrinsic sign problem and fundamental properties of topological phases, offering valuable insights into their classical simulability.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Probing Quantum Curves and Transitions in 5d SQFTs via Defects and Blowup Equations

We investigate codimension-2 defect partition functions and quantum Seiberg-Witten curves in 5d rank-1 supersymmetric QFTs, including non-Lagrangian and Kaluza-Klein theories. Using generalized blowup equations, we compute defect partition functions in the $\Omega$-background and show that, in the Nekrasov-Shatashvili limit, they satisfy certain difference equations that encode the quantization of classical Seiberg-Witten curves. Furthermore, we explore novel transitions in the defect partition functions and their relation to coordinate transformations of quantum Seiberg-Witten curves, with a focus on SL(2,$\mathbb{Z}$) transformations and Hanany-Witten transitions. These findings provide new insights into the interplay between codimension-2 defects, quantum curves, and the geometric structure of 5d supersymmetric QFTs.

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arXiv2024

Finite Landscape of 6d N=(1,0) Supergravity

We present a bottom-up argument showing that the number of massless fields in six-dimensional quantum gravitational theories with eight supercharges is uniformly bounded. Specifically, we show that the number of tensor multiplets is bounded by $T\leq 193$, and the rank of the gauge group is restricted to $r(V)\leq 480$. Given that F-theory compactifications on elliptic CY 3-folds are a subset, this provides a bound on the Hodge numbers of elliptic CY 3-folds: $h^{1,1}({\rm CY_3})\leq 491$, $h^{1,1}({\rm Base})\leq 194$ which are saturated by special elliptic CY 3-folds. This establishes that our bounds are sharp and also provides further evidence for the string lamppost principle. These results are derived by a comprehensive examination of the boundaries of the tensor moduli branch, showing that any consistent supergravity theory with $T\neq0$ must include a BPS string in its spectrum corresponding to a "little string theory" (LST) or a critical heterotic string. From this tensor branch analysis, we establish a containment relationship between SCFTs and LSTs embedded within a gravitational theory. Combined with the classification of 6d SCFTs and LSTs, this then leads to the above bounds. Together with previous works, this establishes the finiteness of the supergravity landscape for $d\geq 6$.

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arXiv2024

On Ruijsenaars-Schneider spectrum from superconformal indices and ramified instantons

We discuss two physics-inspired approaches to derivation of the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of $A_N$ Ruijsenaars-Schneider model. First approach which was recently proposed by the authors relies on the computations of superconformal indices of class $\mathcal{S}$ $4d$ ${\mathcal N}=2$ theories with the insertion of surface defects. Second approach uses computations of Nekrasov-Shatashvili limit of $5d$ ${\mathcal N} = 1^*$ instanton partition functions in the presence of co-dimension two defect. We compare results of these two approaches for the low-lying levels of Ruijsenaars-Schneider model. We also discuss different previously proposed exact quantization conditions for the Coulomb branch parameters of the instanton partition functions and their interpretations in terms of index calculations.

hep-th↗

arXiv2024

Exploring new constraints on Kahler moduli space of 6d N = 1 Supergravity

We propose new constraints for 6d (1, 0) supergravity theories based on consistency conditions on the Kahler moduli spaces of their 5d reductions. The requirement that both the metric and the BPS string tensions in the Kahler moduli space are positive imposes specific restrictions on the Chern-Simons coefficients in the 5d effective Lagrangians that are derived from the Kaluza-Klein reductions of 6d theories. Moreover, the emergence of local interacting 5d CFTs when the moduli space metric degenerates introduces additional constraints coming from the analysis of 5d SCFTs. Focusing on the moduli spaces of 6d supergravity theories without a tensor multiplet and their Higgsings, we show that these constraints require the presence of certain primary states in the 2d worldvolume CFTs on 1/2 BPS strings. We specifically analyze a class of SU(2) models and infinite families of U(1) models using these constraints, and demonstrate that the theories featuring a 1-form symmetry in their massless spectra, unless the 1-form symmetry is gauged, fail to satisfy the constraints and therefore belong to the Swampland.

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arXiv2023

Modular extension of topological orders from congruence representations

We present an efficient method to compute the modular extension of both fermionic topological orders and $\mathbb{Z}_2$-symmetric bosonic topological orders in two spatial dimensions, basing on congruence representations of $\mathrm{SL}_2(\mathbb{Z})$ and its subgroups. To demonstrate the validity of our approach, we provide explicit calculations for topological orders with rank up to 10 for the fermionic cases and up to 6 for the bosonic cases. Along the way, we clarify the relation between fermionic rational conformal field theories, which live on the boundary of the corresponding fermionic topological orders, and modular extensions. In particular, we show that the $\mathrm{SL}_2(\mathbb{Z})$ representation of the R-R sector can be determined from the NS-NS sector using the modular extensions.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Spectra of BPS Strings in 6d Supergravity and the Swampland

We explore BPS strings in supergravity theories in six-dimensions and related Swampland Conjectures. We first propose a general modular ansatz for bootstrapping elliptic genera of 2d worldvolume theories on strings in the 6d theories. By employing mirror symmetry on F-theory examples, we explicitly compute the elliptic genera and validate our ansatz. We extend this approach to investigate BPS strings and their spectrum in non-geometric 6d theories which have no known F-theory constructions, and confirm the Swampland conjectures, including the Weak Gravity Conjecture, Distance Conjecture, and Emergent String Conjecture. We also discuss tensionless little strings that emerge near infinite-distance limits of strong gauge coupling in the moduli space of certain special theories.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Superconformal indices for non-Lagrangian theories in five dimensions

We propose two novel methods for computing the superconformal index of 5d superconformal field theories that cannot be described by conventional Lagrangian descriptions under mass deformations. The first approach involves the use of Higgs branch flows from UV Lagrangian theories, guided by transitions in 5-brane webs in Type IIB string theory. The second method employs the relationship between O$7^+$-plane and O$7^-$-plane with eight D7-branes, which applies to particular non-Lagrangian theories realized by brane configurations involving an O$7^+$-plane. As a concrete application of our method, we compute the superconformal indices for all known rank-1 non-Lagrangian theories, which we also use to identify flavor symmetries and their global forms at the conformal field theory (CFT) fixed points.

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arXiv2023

Star shaped quivers in four dimensions

We discuss a 4d Lagrangian descriptions, across dimensions IR dual, of compactifications of the 6d $(\text{D},\text{D})$ minimal conformal matter theory on a sphere with arbitrary number of punctures and a particular value of flux as a gauge theory with a simple gauge group. The Lagrangian has the form of a ``star shaped quiver'' with the rank of the central node depending on the 6d theory and the number and type of punctures. Using this Lagrangian one can construct across dimensions duals for arbitrary compactifications (any, genus, any number and type of $\text{USp}$ punctures, and any flux) of the $(\text{D},\text{D})$ minimal conformal matter gauging only symmetries which are manifest in the UV.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Blowup Equations for Little Strings

We propose blowup equations for 6d little string theories which generalize Nakajima-Yoshioka's blowup equations for the 4d/5d instanton partition functions on Omega background. We find that unlike the blowup equations for standard SQFTs, we need to sum over auxiliary magnetic fluxes on the blown-up $ \mathbb{P}^1$ for a non-dynamical 2-form gauge field which plays a role in canceling the mixed anomalies of the gauge symmetries. We demonstrate with explicit examples that the blowup equations, when combined with the modular properties, can be solved in order to determine the elliptic genera of little strings.

hep-th↗

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.

hep-th↗

arXiv2022

Infrared phases of 3D Class R theories

We study the IR phases of 3D class R theories associated with closed non-hyperbolic 3-manifolds. Non-hyperbolic 3-manifolds can be obtained by performing Dehn fillings on 1-cusped hyperbolic 3-manifolds along exceptional slopes. In 3D-3D correspondence, the `exceptional' Dehn filling corresponds to the gauging of an $SU(2)$ flavor symmetry in a superconformal field theory associated with a 1-cusped 3-manifold with `small' Chern-Simons levels. With several explicit examples, we analyze various interesting non-perturbative IR phenomena (such as spontaneous SUSY breaking, generation of mass gap and supersymmetry enhancement) from the `exceptional' gaugings. Interestingly, distinguished features of the IR phases can be captured by simple topological properties of non-hyperbolic 3-manifolds. We also find that 3D class R theories associated with certain classes of atoroidal non-hyperbolic 3-manifolds always exhibit supersymmetry enhancement at low energy and actually flow to 3D rank-0 $\mathcal{N}=4$ SCFTs with trivial vacuum moduli space.

hep-th↗

arXiv2022

S-foldings of 5d SCFTs

We explore the $\mathbb{Z}_{2,3,4,6}$ S-foldings of some 5d superconformal field theories from the $(p,q)$ 5-brane web perspective. The S-folding involves both a spatial quotient and an $\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{Z})$ transformation on 5-branes simultaneously. The $\mathbb{Z}_{2,3,4,6}$ S-foldings are achieved by the insertion of the $D_4, E_6, E_7, E_8$ 7-branes, respectively. The deficit angles and monodromies of these 7-branes are exactly those necessary for the S-foldings. We explore the details of the S-folding process, especially the enhancement of global flavor symmetry in various simple cases. The characteristic of the S-folding depends sharply on whether the fixed point of the discrete symmetry is at the center of a compact face (or surface), at a 5-brane, or at a crossing point of 5 branes. The analysis of the prepotential greatly supports this view of the discrete gauging.

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