arXiv subjects

Justin Kaidi

Publications and source records attributed to Justin Kaidi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Maximal Enhancements in Eight-Dimensional Non-Supersymmetric Heterotic Strings

We classify maximally enhanced, rank-preserving non-supersymmetric heterotic strings in eight dimensions by studying orbifolds of supersymmetric heterotic strings on $T^2$. We first review the construction in nine dimensions, where it reproduces the $95$ maximally semisimple enhancement points obtained from previous extended-Dynkin analyses. We then start from the maximally enhanced supersymmetric Narain points in eight dimensions and use Kac's theorem to enumerate candidate order-two inner actions, retaining only those that lift to consistent Narain-lattice shifts. This gives $1210$ maximal enhancement points, of which $71$ are tachyon-free, and $25$ have neither tachyons nor shifted-sector massless scalars. For each entry we determine the gauge algebra and the low-lying scalar and fermion spectra, and for the tachyon-free cases we evaluate the one-loop cosmological constant. For the 25 subcases without shifted-sector massless scalars, we further compute the Hessian of the one-loop potential and test the refined de Sitter swampland conjecture.

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arXiv2026

Parafermionizing the Monster

We study the parafermionization of the Monster CFT with respect to its $\mathbb{Z}_{pA}$ subgroups, with $p$ an odd prime. Under certain assumptions, we show that the parafermionization is equal to a non-invertible gauging of $\mathcal{P}(p) \times \mathcal{P}(p)^\vee$, where $\mathcal{P}(p)$ is the theory of $\mathbb{Z}_p$-parafermions and $\mathcal{P}(p)^\vee$ is an appropriate dual theory, with global symmetry characterized by the centralizer of $\mathbb{Z}_{pA}$. By tracking the symmetries of $\mathcal{P}(p) \times \mathcal{P}(p)^\vee$ through the non-invertible gauging, we argue that the diagonal Monster CFT has $\mathrm{Rep}(\mathfrak{so}(3)_p) \boxtimes \mathrm{Rep}(\mathfrak{so}(3)_p)^\mathrm{op}$ symmetry, and hence that the holomorphic Monster theory has symmetry $\mathrm{Rep}(\mathfrak{so}(3)_p)$. We then compute the defect McKay-Thompson series associated to these symmetries, and prove that their invariance subgroups are $\Gamma_1(p+2)$.

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arXiv2026

Introduction to Generalized Symmetries

These notes were prepared for a series of intensive lectures delivered at Hokkaido University, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, and Kyushu University. We begin with a brief review of higher-form symmetries, anomalies, and discrete gauge theories, before introducing non-invertible symmetries in $(1+1)$-dimensional systems. The basic structure of fusion categories is then discussed, including a discussion of categorical analogs of discrete gauging and representation theory. We subsequently turn to $(3+1)$-dimensional theories, where several physical applications of non-invertible symmetries are discussed. These notes are intended to be largely self-contained, and require no prior familiarity with subjects such as conformal field theory or lattice models.

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arXiv2025

Haagerup Symmetry in $(E_8)_1$?

We suggest that the chiral $(\mathfrak{e}_8)_1$ theory -- in many senses the simplest VOA -- may have Haagerup symmetry $\mathcal{H}_i$ for $i=1,2,3$. Likewise, we suggest that the non-chiral $(E_8)_1$ WZW model may have $\mathcal{H}_i \times \mathcal{H}_i^\textrm{op}$ symmetry, and that gauging the diagonal symmetry gives a $c=8$ theory with $\mathcal{Z}(\mathcal{H}_3)$ symmetry, which is the theory predicted in \cite{Evans:2010yr}. Along the way, we show that $(E_8)_1$ also has a $\mathrm{Fib} \times \mathrm{Fib}^\text{op}$ symmetry, and that gauging the diagonal symmetry gives the $(G_2)_1 \times (F_4)_1$ WZW model, explaining the well-known conformal embedding $(G_2)_1 \times (F_4)_1 \subset (E_8)_1$. Finally, we suggest a relation to theories with $\mathcal{H}_3$ symmetry at $c=2,6$, complimenting the discussion with new modular bootstrap results.

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arXiv2025

The SymTFT for $N$-ality defects: Part I

In order to obtain the SymTFT for a theory with an $N$-ality extension of a discrete, Abelian group $G$, one begins by considering a bulk $G$-gauge theory, and then gauges an appropriate $\mathbb{Z}_N$ symmetry. This procedure involves three choices: the choice of a suitable bulk $\mathbb{Z}_N$ symmetry, of a fractionalization class, and of a discrete torsion. The first choice is, somewhat surprisingly, the most involved, and in this paper we discuss it in detail. In particular, we show that the choice of bulk $\mathbb{Z}_N$ symmetry determines all boundary $F$-symbols with a single incoming $N$-ality defect, and that any theory with an $N$-ality symmetry is invariant under a certain twisted gauging given in terms of these $F$-symbols. These $F$-symbols can furthermore be input into the pentagon identities to obtain the other $F$-symbols, up to freedoms related to the choices appearing in the second and third steps of bulk gauging. Although many of our results hold for general $N$, we restrict ourselves in some places to the case of $N=p$ prime. In particular, for generic triality defects, we acquire explicit $F$-symbols which are reminiscent of those in Tambara-Yamagami fusion categories.

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arXiv2025

New Crosscap States

We investigate crosscap states in two-dimensional rational conformal field theories (RCFTs), with an emphasis on the role of non-invertible symmetries. In particular, we argue for the existence of crosscap states labelled by each Verlinde line in the RCFT, extending previous constructions involving simple currents. Evidence for the existence of these new states is obtained by deriving a generalized Cardy condition incorporating both crosscaps and topological defects, which we check in some concrete examples. Finally, we briefly discuss how these crosscap states transform under the action of Verlinde lines, as well as the connection to mixed anomalies between parity and internal symmetries.

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arXiv2024

On non-supersymmetric heterotic branes

A uniform construction of non-supersymmetric 0-, 4-, 6- and 7-branes in heterotic string theory was announced and outlined in our letter \cite{Kaidi:2023tqo}. In this full paper, we provide details on their properties. Among other things, we discuss the charges carried by the branes, their topological and dynamical stability, the exact worldsheet descriptions of their near-horizon regions, and the relationship of the branes to the mathematical notion of topological modular forms.

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arXiv2024

On a class of selection rules without group actions in field theory and string theory

We discuss a class of selection rules which i) do not come from group actions on fields, ii) are exact at tree level in perturbation theory, iii) are increasingly violated as the loop order is raised, and iv) eventually reduce to selection rules associated with an ordinary group symmetry. We start from basic field-theoretical examples in which fields are labeled by conjugacy classes rather than representations of a group, and discuss generalizations using fusion algebras or hypergroups. We also discuss how such selection rules arise naturally in string theory, such as for non-Abelian orbifolds or other cases with non-invertible worldsheet symmetries.

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arXiv2023

Non-supersymmetric heterotic branes

The common statement that any consistent quantum gravity theory contains dynamical objects with all possible charges suggests that there are still a number of hitherto-unidentified branes in string theory. Here we give the exact worldsheet description of near-horizon limits of non-supersymmetric $p$-branes in ten-dimensional $\mathrm{Spin}(32)/\mathbb{Z}_2$ or $(E_8 \times E_8) \rtimes \mathbb{Z}_2$ heterotic superstring theories for $p=7,6,4,0$.

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arXiv2023

Symmetry TFTs and Anomalies of Non-Invertible Symmetries

It is known that the 't Hooft anomalies of invertible global symmetries can be characterized by an invertible TQFT in one higher dimension. The analogous statement remains to be understood for non-invertible symmetries. In this note we discuss how the linking invariants in a non-invertible TQFT known as the Symmetry TFT (SymTFT) can be used as a diagnostic for 't Hooft anomalies of non-invertible symmetries. When the non-invertible symmetry is non-intrinsically non-invertible, and hence the SymTFT is a Dijkgraaf-Witten model, the linking invariants can be computed explicitly. We illustrate this proposal through the examples of the abelian Higgs model in 2d, as well as adjoint QCD and $\mathcal{N}=4$ super Yang-Mills in 4d. We also comment on how the 't Hooft anomalies of non-invertible symmetries impose new constraints on the dynamics.

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arXiv2022

Non-invertible Symmetries of Class $\mathcal{S}$ Theories

We study the non-invertible symmetries of class $\mathcal{S}$ theories obtained by compactifying the type $\mathfrak{a}_{p-1}$ 6d (2,0) theory on a genus $g$ Riemann surface with no punctures. After setting up the general framework, we describe how such symmetries can be classified up to genus 5. Of central interest to us is the question of whether a non-invertible symmetry is "intrinsic," i.e. whether it can be related to an invertible symmetry by discrete gauging. We then describe the higher-dimensional origin of our results, and explain how the Anomaly and Symmetry TFTs, as well as $N$-ality defects, of class $\mathcal{S}$ theories can be obtained from compactification of a 7d Chern-Simons theory. Interestingly, we find that the Symmetry TFT for theories with intrinsically non-invertible symmetries can only be obtained by coupling the 7d Chern-Simons theory to topological gravity.

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arXiv2022

Topological modularity of Supermoonshine

The theory of topological modular forms (TMF) predicts that elliptic genera of physical theories satisfy a certain divisibility property, determined by the theory's gravitational anomaly. In this note we verify this prediction in Duncan's Supermoonshine module, as well as in tensor products and orbifolds thereof. Along the way we develop machinery for computing the elliptic genera of general alternating orbifolds and discuss the relation of this construction to the elusive "periodicity class" of TMF.

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arXiv2022

Symmetry TFTs for Non-Invertible Defects

Given any symmetry acting on a $d$-dimensional quantum field theory, there is an associated $(d+1)$-dimensional topological field theory known as the Symmetry TFT (SymTFT). The SymTFT is useful for decoupling the universal quantities of quantum field theories, such as their generalized global symmetries and 't Hooft anomalies, from their dynamics. In this work, we explore the SymTFT for theories with Kramers-Wannier-like duality symmetry in both $(1+1)$d and $(3+1)$d quantum field theories. After constructing the SymTFT, we use it to reproduce the non-invertible fusion rules of duality defects, and along the way we generalize the concept of duality defects to \textit{higher} duality defects. We also apply the SymTFT to the problem of distinguishing intrinsically versus non-intrinsically non-invertible duality defects in $(1+1)$d.

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arXiv2022

Lectures on modular forms and strings

The goal of these lectures is to present an informal but precise introduction to a body of concepts and methods of interest in number theory and string theory revolving around modular forms and their generalizations. Modular invariance lies at the heart of conformal field theory, string perturbation theory, Montonen-Olive duality, Seiberg-Witten theory, and S-duality in Type IIB superstring theory. Automorphic forms with respect to higher arithmetic groups as well as mock modular forms enter in toroidal string compactifications and the counting of black hole microstates. After introducing the basic mathematical concepts including elliptic functions, modular forms, Maass forms, modular forms for congruence subgroups, vector-valued modular forms, and modular graph forms, we describe a small subset of the countless applications to problems in Mathematics and Physics, including those mentioned above.

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arXiv2022

Non-Invertible Symmetries of $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM and Twisted Compactification

Non-invertible symmetries have recently been understood to provide interesting contraints on RG flows of QFTs. In this work, we show how non-invertible symmetries can also be used to generate entirely new RG flows, by means of so-called "non-invertible twisted compactification". We illustrate the idea in the example of twisted compactifications of 4d $\mathcal{N}=4$ super-Yang-Mills (SYM) to three dimensions. After giving a catalogue of non-invertible symmetries descending from Montonen-Olive duality transformations of 4d $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM, we show that twisted compactification by non-invertible symmetries can be used to obtain 3d $\mathcal{N}=6$ theories which appear otherwise unreachable if one restricts to twists by invertible symmetries.

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arXiv2022

Kramers-Wannier-like duality defects in (3+1)d gauge theories

We introduce a class of non-invertible topological defects in (3+1)d gauge theories whose fusion rules are the higher-dimensional analogs of those of the Kramers-Wannier defect in the (1+1)d critical Ising model. As in the lower-dimensional case, the presence of such non-invertible defects implies self-duality under a particular gauging of their discrete (higher-form) symmetries. Examples of theories with such a defect include SO(3) Yang-Mills (YM) at $θ= π$, $\mathcal{N}=1$ SO(3) super YM, and $\mathcal{N}=4$ SU(2) super YM at $τ= i$. We also introduce an analogous construction in (2+1)d, and give a number of examples in Chern-Simons-matter theories.

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arXiv2022

Exceptional moduli spaces for exceptional $\mathcal{N}=3$ theories

It is expected on general grounds that the moduli space of 4d $\mathcal{N}=3$ theories is of the form $\mathbb{C}^{3r}/\Gamma$, with $r$ the rank and $\Gamma$ a crystallographic complex reflection group (CCRG). As in the case of Lie algebras, the space of CCRGs consists of several infinite families, together with some exceptionals. To date, no 4d $\mathcal{N}=3$ theory with moduli space labelled by an exceptional CCRG (excluding Weyl groups) has been identified. In this work we show that the 4d $\mathcal{N}=3$ theories proposed in \cite{Garcia-Etxebarria:2016erx}, constructed via non-geometric quotients of type-$\mathfrak{e}$ 6d (2,0) theories, realize nearly all such exceptional moduli spaces. In addition, we introduce an extension of this construction to allow for twists and quotients by outer automorphism symmetries. This gives new examples of 4d $\mathcal{N}=3$ theories going beyond simple S-folds.

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arXiv2022

Needles in a haystack: An algorithmic approach to the classification of 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ SCFTs

There is a well-known map from 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal field theories (SCFTs) to 2d vertex operator algebras (VOAs). The 4d Schur index corresponds to the VOA vacuum character, and must be a solution with integral coefficients of a modular differential equation. This suggests a classification program for 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ SCFTs that starts with modular differential equations and proceeds by imposing all known constraints that follow from the 4d $\to$ 2d map. This program becomes fully algorithmic once one specifies the $\mathrm{\textit{order}}$ of the modular differential equation and the $\mathrm{\textit{rank}}$ (complex dimension of the Coulomb branch) of the $\mathcal{N}=2$ theory. As a proof of concept, we apply the algorithm to the study of rank-two $\mathcal{N}=2$ SCFTs whose Schur indices satisfy a fourth-order untwisted modular differential equation. Scanning over a large number of putative cases, only 15 satisfy all of the constraints imposed by our algorithm, six of which correspond to known 4d SCFTs. More sophisticated constraints can be used to argue against the existence of the remaining nine cases. Altogether, this indicates that our knowledge of such rank-two SCFTs is surprisingly complete.

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