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Hermann Nicolai

Publications and source records attributed to Hermann Nicolai.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
arXiv2009

Universal BPS structure of stationary supergravity solutions

We study asymptotically flat stationary solutions of four-dimensional supergravity theories via the associated G/H* pseudo-Riemannian non-linear sigma models in three spatial dimensions. The Noether charge C associated to G is shown to satisfy a characteristic equation that determines it as a function of the four-dimensional conserved charges. The matrix C is nilpotent for non-rotating extremal solutions. The nilpotency degree of C is directly related to the BPS degree of the corresponding solution when they are BPS. Equivalently, the charges can be described in terms of a Weyl spinor |C > of Spin*(2N), and then the characteristic equation becomes equivalent to a generalisation of the Cartan pure spinor constraint on |C>. The invariance of a given solution with respect to supersymmetry is determined by an algebraic `Dirac equation' on the Weyl spinor |C>. We explicitly solve this equation for all pure supergravity theories and we characterise the stratified structure of the moduli space of asymptotically Taub-NUT black holes with respect with their BPS degree. The analysis is valid for any asymptotically flat stationary solutions for which the singularities are protected by horizons. The H*-orbits of extremal solutions are identified as Lagrangian submanifolds of nilpotent orbits of G, and so the moduli space of extremal spherically symmetric black holes as a Lagrangian subvariety of the variety of nilpotent elements of Lie(G). We also generalise the notion of active duality transformations to an `almost action' of the three-dimensional duality group G on asymptotically flat stationary solutions.

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arXiv2009

Conformal invariance from non-conformal gravity

We discuss the conditions under which classically conformally invariant models in four dimensions can arise out of non-conformal (Einstein) gravity. As an `existence proof' that this is indeed possible we show how to derive N=4 super Yang Mills theory with any compact gauge group G from non-conformal gauged N=4 supergravity as a special flat space limit. We stress the role that the anticipated UV finiteness of the (so far unknown) underlying theory of quantum gravity would have to play in such a scheme, as well as the fact that the masses of elementary particles would have to arise via quantum gravitational effects which mimic the conformal anomalies of standard (flat space) UV divergent quantum field theory.

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arXiv2009

Renormalization Group and Effective Potential in Classically Conformal Theories

We derive a general formula for the RG improved effective (Coleman-Weinberg) potential for classically conformal models, applying it to several examples of physical interest, and in particular a model of QCD coupled via quarks to a colorless scalar field. The closed form expressions allow us to discuss the range of validity of the effective potential as well as the issue of `large logarithms' in a way different from previous such analyses. Remarkably, in all examples considered, convexity of the effective potential is restored by the RG improvement, or otherwise the potential becomes unstable. In the former case, symmetry breaking becomes unavoidable due to the appearance of an infrared barrier $Λ_{IR}$, which hints at a so far unsuspected link between $Λ_{QCD}$ and the scale of electroweak symmetry breaking.

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arXiv2009

E10 and Gauged Maximal Supergravity

We compare the dynamics of maximal three-dimensional gauged supergravity in appropriate truncations with the equations of motion that follow from a one-dimensional E10/K(E10) coset model at the first few levels. The constant embedding tensor, which describes gauge deformations and also constitutes an M-theoretic degree of freedom beyond eleven-dimensional supergravity, arises naturally as an integration constant of the geodesic model. In a detailed analysis, we find complete agreement at the lowest levels. At higher levels there appear mismatches, as in previous studies. We discuss the origin of these mismatches.

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arXiv2008

Gravitational multi-NUT solitons, Komar masses and charges

Generalising expressions given by Komar, we give precise definitions of gravitational mass and solitonic NUT charge and we apply these to the description of a class of Minkowski-signature multi-Taub-NUT solutions without rod singularities. A Wick rotation then yields the corresponding class of Euclidean-signature gravitational multi-instantons.

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arXiv2008

Neutrinos, Axions and Conformal Symmetry

We demonstrate that radiative breaking of conformal symmetry (and simultaneously electroweak symmetry) in the Standard Model with right-chiral neutrinos and a minimally enlarged scalar sector induces spontaneous breaking of lepton number symmetry, which naturally gives rise to an axion-like particle with some unusual features. The couplings of this `axion' to Standard Model particles, in particular photons and gluons, are entirely determined (and computable) via the conformal anomaly, and their smallness turns out to be directly related to the smallness of the masses of light neutrinos.

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arXiv2008

Gauged Supergravities, Tensor Hierarchies, and M-Theory

Deformations of maximal supergravity theories induced by gauging non-abelian subgroups of the duality group reveal the presence of charged M-theory degrees of freedom that are not necessarily contained in supergravity. The relation with M-theory degrees of freedom is confirmed by the representation assignments under the duality group of the gauge charges and the ensuing vector and tensor gauge fields. The underlying hierarchy of these gauge fields is required for consistency of general gaugings. As an example gauged maximal supergravity in three space-time dimensions is presented in a version where all possible tensor fields appear.

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arXiv2007

Effective Action, Conformal Anomaly and the Issue of Quadratic Divergences

For massless $ϕ^4$ theory, we explicitly compute the lowest order non-local contributions to the one-loop effective action required for the determination of the trace anomaly. Imposing exact conformal invariance of the local part of the effective action, we argue that the issue of quadratic divergences does not arise in a theory where exact conformal symmetry is only broken by quantum effects. Conformal symmetry can thus replace low energy supersymmetry as a possible guide towards stabilizing the weak scale and solving the hierarchy problem, if (i) there are no intermediate scales between the weak scale and the Planck scale, and (ii) the running couplings exhibit neither Landau poles nor instabilities over this whole range of energies.

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arXiv2007

Constraints and the E10 Coset Model

We continue the study of the one-dimensional E10 coset model (massless spinning particle motion on E10/K(E10) whose dynamics at low levels is known to coincide with the equations of motion of maximal supergravity theories in appropriate truncations. We show that the coset dynamics (truncated at levels less or equal to three) can be consistently restricted by requiring the vanishing of a set of constraints which are in one-to-one correspondence with the canonical constraints of supergravity. Hence, the resulting constrained sigma-model dynamics captures the full (constrained) supergravity dynamics in this truncation. Remarkably, the bosonic constraints are found to be expressible in a Sugawara-like (current x current) form in terms of the conserved E10 Noether current, and transform covariantly under an upper parabolic subgroup E10+ of E10. We discuss the possible implications of this result, and in particular exhibit a tantalising link with the usual affine Sugawara construction in the truncation of E10 to its affine subgroup E9.

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arXiv2007

Symmetries,Singularities and the De-Emergence of Space

Recent work has revealed intriguing connections between a Belinsky-Khalatnikov-Lifshitz-type analysis of spacelike singularities in General Relativity and certain infinite dimensional Lie algebras, and in particular the `maximally extended' hyperbolic Kac--Moody algebra E10. In this essay we argue that these results may lead to an entirely new understanding of the (quantum) nature of space(-time) at the Planck scale, and hence -- via an effective `de-emergence' of space near a singularity -- to a novel mechanism for achieving background independence in quantum gravity.

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arXiv2007

K(E9) from K(E10)

We analyse the M-theoretic generalisation of the tangent space structure group after reduction of the D=11 supergravity theory to two space-time dimensions in the context of hidden Kac-Moody symmetries. The action of the resulting infinite-dimensional `R symmetry' group K(E9) on certain unfaithful, finite-dimensional spinor representations inherited from K(E10) is studied. We explain in detail how these representations are related to certain finite codimension ideals within K(E9), which we exhibit explicitly, and how the known, as well as new finite-dimensional `generalised holonomy groups' arise as quotients of K(E9) by these ideals. In terms of the loop algebra realisations of E9 and K(E9) on the fields of maximal supergravity in two space-time dimensions, these quotients are shown to correspond to (generalised) evaluation maps, in agreement with previous results of Nicolai and Samtleben (hep-th/0407055). The outstanding question is now whether the related unfaithful representations of K(E10) can be understood in a similar way.

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arXiv2007

An E9 multiplet of BPS states

We construct an infinite E9 multiplet of BPS states for 11D supergravity. For each positive real root of E9 we obtain a BPS solution of 11D supergravity, or of its exotic counterparts, depending on two non-compact transverse space variables. All these solutions are related by U-dualities realised via E9 Weyl transformations in the regular embedding of E9 in E10, E10 in E11. In this way we recover the basic BPS solutions, namely the KK-wave, the M2 brane, the M5 brane and the KK6-monopole, as well as other solutions admitting eight longitudinal space dimensions. A novel technique of combining Weyl reflexions with compensating transformations allows the construction of many new BPS solutions, each of which can be mapped to a solution of a dual effective action of gravity coupled to a certain higher rank tensor field. For real roots of E10 which are not roots of E9, we obtain additional BPS solutions transcending 11D supergravity (as exemplified by the lowest level solution corresponding to the M9 brane). The relation between the dual formulation and the one in terms of the original 11D supergravity fields has significance beyond the realm of BPS solutions. We establish the link with the Geroch group of general relativity, and explain how the E9 duality transformations generalize the standard Hodge dualities to an infinite set of `non-closing dualities'.

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arXiv2007

Conformal Symmetry and the Standard Model

We re-examine the question of radiative symmetry breaking in the standard model in the presence of right-chiral neutrinos and a minimally enlarged scalar sector. We demonstrate that, with these extra ingredients, the hypothesis of classically unbroken conformal symmetry, besides naturally introducing and stabilizing a hierarchy, is compatible with all available data; in particular, there exists a set of parameters for which the model may remain viable even up to the Planck scale. The decay modes of the extra scalar field provide a unique signature of this model which can be tested at LHC.

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arXiv2006

K(E10), Supergravity and Fermions

We study the fermionic extension of the E10/K(E10) coset model and its relation to eleven-dimensional supergravity. Finite-dimensional spinor representations of the compact subgroup K(E10) of E(10,R) are studied and the supergravity equations are rewritten using the resulting algebraic variables. The canonical bosonic and fermionic constraints are also analysed in this way, and the compatibility of supersymmetry with local K(E10) is investigated. We find that all structures involving A9 levels 0,1 and 2 nicely agree with expectations, and provide many non-trivial consistency checks of the existence of a supersymmetric extension of the E10/K(E10) coset model, as well as a new derivation of the `bosonic dictionary' between supergravity and coset variables. However, there are also definite discrepancies in some terms involving level 3, which suggest the need for an extension of the model to infinite-dimensional faithful representations of the fermionic degrees of freedom.

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arXiv2006

Curvature corrections and Kac-Moody compatibility conditions

We study possible restrictions on the structure of curvature corrections to gravitational theories in the context of their corresponding Kac--Moody algebras, following the initial work on E10 in Class. Quant. Grav. 22 (2005) 2849. We first emphasize that the leading quantum corrections of M-theory can be naturally interpreted in terms of (non-gravity) fundamental weights of E10. We then heuristically explore the extent to which this remark can be generalized to all over-extended algebras by determining which curvature corrections are compatible with their weight structure, and by comparing these curvature terms with known results on the quantum corrections for the corresponding gravitational theories.

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arXiv2006

IIA and IIB spinors from K(E10)

We analyze the decomposition of recently constructed unfaithful spinor representations of K(E10) under its SO(9) x SO(9), and SO(9) x SO(2) subgroups, respectively, where K(E10) is the `maximal compact' subgroup of the hyperbolic Kac--Moody group E(10). We show that under these decompositions, respectively, one and the same K(E10) spinor gives rise to both the fermionic fields of IIA supergravity, and to the (chiral) fermionic fields of IIB supergravity. This result is thus the fermionic analogue of the decomposition of E(10) under its SO(9,9) and SL(9) x SL(2) subgroups, respectively, which yield the correct bosonic multiplets of (massive) IIA and IIB supergravity. The essentially unique Lagrangian for the supersymmetric E(10)/K(E10) sigma-model therefore can also capture the dynamics of IIA and IIB including bosons and fermions in the known truncations.

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arXiv2006

A note on gauge fixing in supergravity/Kac-Moody correspondences

We explain how to achieve the traceless gauge for the spatial part of the spin connection in the framework of the recently proposed correspondence between the (appropriately truncated) bosonic sectors of maximal supergravities and the `geodesic' sigma-model over E10/K(E10) at low levels. After making this gauge choice, the residual symmetries on both sides of this correspondence match precisely. The gauge choice also allows us to give a physical interpretation to the multiplicity of certain primitive affine null roots of E10.

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