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L. Borsten

Publications and source records attributed to L. Borsten.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2023

Introduction to the special issue dedicated to Michael J. Duff FRS on the occasion of his 70th birthday

This special feature, dedicated to Michael J. Duff FRS on the occasion of his 70th birthday, concerns topics in 'Quantum gravity, branes and M-theory'. These three intertwining subjects have been central to Duff's work; indeed many of his contributions have come to define significant aspects of what we actually mean by these terms. From the discovery of Weyl anomalies to recognising superstrings in 10 dimensions as a special case of membranes in an 11-dimensional M-theory, Duff's insights have shaped major developments across these themes. So it is an apposite setting for such a celebration and we are delighted to be able to include in this collection contributions from many of the pioneers of quantum gravity, branes and M-theory. The breadth of these topics has placed little constraint on the multiplicity of ideas appearing in these pages, from astrophysical black holes to chaotic condensed matter. Again, this is fitting as Duff's scientific remit spans a remarkable diversity of motifs, from the fundamentals of M-theory to entanglement in quantum information.

physics.hist-ph↗
arXiv2021

Odd dimensional analogue of the Euler characteristic

When compact manifolds $X$ and $Y$ are both even dimensional, their Euler characteristics obey the Künneth formula $χ(X\times Y)=χ(X) χ(Y)$. In terms of the Betti numbers $b_p(X)$, $χ(X)=\sum_{p}(-1)^p b_p(X)$, implying that $χ(X)=0$ when $X$ is odd dimensional. We seek a linear combination of Betti numbers, called $ρ$, that obeys an analogous formula $ρ(X\times Y)=χ(X) ρ(Y)$ when $Y$ is odd dimensional. The unique solution is $ρ(Y)=-\sum_{p}(-1)^p p b_p(Y)$. Physical applications include: (1) $ρ\rightarrow (-1)^m ρ$ under a generalized mirror map in $d=2m+1$ dimensions, in analogy with $χ\rightarrow (-1)^m χ$ in $d=2m$; (2) $ρ$ appears naturally in compactifications of M-theory. For example, the 4-dimensional Weyl anomaly for M-theory on $X^4 \times Y^7$ is given by $χ(X^4)ρ(Y^7)=ρ(X^4 \times Y^7) $ and hence vanishes when $Y^7$ is self-mirror. Since, in particular, $ρ(Y\times S^1)=χ(Y)$, this is consistent with the corresponding anomaly for Type IIA on $X^4 \times Y^6$, given by $χ(X^4)χ(Y^6)=χ(X^4 \times Y^6)$, which vanishes when $Y^6$ is self-mirror; (3) In the partition function of $p$-form gauge fields, $ρ$ appears in odd dimensions as $χ$ does in even.

hep-th↗
arXiv2021

Gauge $\times$ Gauge $=$ Gravity on Homogeneous Spaces using Tensor Convolutions

A definition of a convolution of tensor fields on group manifolds is given, which is then generalised to generic homogeneous spaces. This is applied to the product of gauge fields in the context of `gravity $=$ gauge $\times$ gauge'. In particular, it is shown that the linear Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) gauge transformations of two Yang-Mills gauge fields generate the linear BRST diffeomorphism transformations of the graviton. This facilitates the definition of the `gauge $\times$ gauge' convolution product on, for example, the static Einstein universe, and more generally for ultrastatic spacetimes with compact spatial slices.

hep-th↗
arXiv2020

Black Holes and Higher Composition Laws

We describe various relations between Bhargava's higher composition laws, which generalise Gauss's original composition law on integral binary quadratic forms, and extremal black hole solutions appearing in string/M-theory and related models. The cornerstone of these correspondences is the identification of the charge cube of the STU black hole with Bhargava's cube of integers, which underpins the related higher composition laws.

hep-th↗
arXiv2020

Are all supergravity theories Yang-Mills squared?

Using simple symmetry arguments we classify the ungauged $D=4$, $\mathcal{N}=2$ supergravity theories, coupled to both vector and hyper multiplets through homogeneous scalar manifolds, that can be built as the product of $\mathcal{N}=2$ and $\mathcal{N}=0$ matter-coupled Yang-Mills gauge theories. This includes all such supergravities with two isolated exceptions: pure supergravity and the $T^3$ model.

hep-th↗
arXiv2020

Gravity as Gauge Theory Squared: A Ghost Story

The Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) transformations and equations of motion of a gravity-two-form-dilaton system are derived from the product of two Yang-Mills theories in a BRST covariant form, to linear approximation. The inclusion of ghost fields facilitates the separation of the graviton and dilaton. The gravitational gauge fixing term is uniquely determined by those of the Yang-Mills factors which can be freely chosen. Moreover, the resulting gravity-two-form-dilaton Lagrangian is anti-BRST invariant and the BRST and anti-BRST charges anti commute as a direct consequence of the formalism.

hep-th↗
arXiv2019

Gauge $\times$ Gauge on Spheres

We introduce a convolution on a 2-sphere and use it to show that the linearised Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin transformations and gauge fixing conditions of Einstein-Hilbert gravity coupled to a two-form and a scalar field, follow from the product of two Yang-Mills theories. This provides an example of the convolutive product of gauge theories on a non-trivial background. By introducing a time direction the product is shown to extend to the $D=1+2$ Einstein-static universe.

hep-th↗
arXiv2019

Black holes and general Freudenthal transformations

We study General Freudenthal Transformations (GFT) on black hole solutions in Einstein-Maxwell-Scalar (super)gravity theories with global symmetry of type $E_7$. GFT can be considered as a 2-parameter, $a, b\in {\mathbb R}$, generalisation of Freudenthal duality: $x\mapsto x_F= a x+b\tilde{x}$, where $x$ is the vector of the electromagnetic charges, an element of a Freudenthal triple system (FTS), carried by a large black hole and $ \tilde{x}$ is its Freudenthal dual. These transformations leave the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy invariant up to a scalar factor given by $a^2\pm b^2$. For any $x$ there exists a one parameter subset of GFT that leave the entropy invariant, $a^2\pm b^2=1$, defining the subgroup of Freudenthal rotations. The Freudenthal plane defined by span$_\mathbb{R}\{x, \tilde{x}\}$ is closed under GFT and is foliated by the orbits of the Freudenthal rotations. Having introduced the basic definitions and presented their properties in detail, we consider the relation of GFT to the global sysmmetries or U-dualites in the context of supergravity. We consider explicit examples in pure supergravity, axion-dilaton theories and $N=2,D=4$ supergravities obtained from $D=5$ by dimensional reductions associated to (non-degenerate) $ reduced$ FTS's descending from cubic Jordan Algebras.

hep-th↗
arXiv2019

Twin conformal field theories

Supersymmetric theories with the same bosonic content but different fermions, aka \emph{twins}, were thought to exist only for supergravity. Here we show that pairs of super conformal field theories, for example exotic $\mathcal{N}=3$ and $\mathcal{N}=1$ theories in $D=4$ spacetime dimensions, can also be twin. We provide evidence from three different perspectives: (i) a twin S-fold construction, (ii) a double-copy argument and (iii) by identifying candidate twin holographically dual gauged supergravity theories. Furthermore, twin W-supergravity theories then follow by applying the double-copy prescription to exotic super conformal field theories.

hep-th↗
arXiv2018

Freudenthal duality and conformal isometries of extremal black holes

We present a conformal isometry for static extremal black hole solutions in all four-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-scalar theories with electromagnetic duality groups `of type $E_7$'. This includes, but is not limited to, all supergravity theories with $\mathcal{N}>2$ supersymmetry and all $\mathcal{N}=2$ supergravity theories with symmetric scalar manifolds. The conformal isometry is valid for arbitrary electromagnetic charge configurations and relies crucially on the notion of Freudenthal duality.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2018

$D=6$, $\mathcal{N}=(2,0)$ and $\mathcal{N}=(4,0)$ theories

Using a convolutive field theoretic product, it is shown here that the "square" of an Abelian $D=6$, $\mathcal{N}=(2,0)$ theory yields the free $D=6$, $\mathcal{N}=(4,0)$ theory constructed by Hull, together with its generalised (super)gauge transformations. This offers a new perspective on the $(4, 0)$ theory and chiral theories of conformal gravity more generally, while at the same time extending the domain of the "gravity = gauge $\times$ gauge" paradigm.

hep-th↗
arXiv2017

The Magic Star of Exceptional Periodicity

We present a periodic infinite chain of finite generalisations of the exceptional structures, including e8, the exceptional Jordan algebra (and pair), and the octonions. We demonstrate that the exceptional Jordan algebra is part of an infinite family of finite-dimensional matrix algebras (corresponding to a particular class of cubic Vinberg's T-algebras). Correspondingly, we prove that e8 is part of an infinite family of algebras (dubbed "Magic Star" algebras) that resemble lattice vertex algebras.

hep-th↗
arXiv2017

A Kind of Magic

We introduce the extended Freudenthal-Rosenfeld-Tits magic square based on six algebras: the reals $\mathbb{R}$, complexes $\mathbb{C}$, ternions $\mathbb{T}$, quaternions $\mathbb{H}$, sextonions $\mathbb{S}$ and octonions $\mathbb{O}$. The ternionic and sextonionic rows/columns of the magic square yield non-reductive Lie algebras, including $\mathfrak{e}_{7\scriptscriptstyle{\frac{1}{2}}}$. It is demonstrated that the algebras of the extended magic square appear quite naturally as the symmetries of supergravity Lagrangians. The sextonionic row (for appropriate choices of real forms) gives the non-compact global symmetries of the Lagrangian for the $D=3$ maximal $\mathcal{N}=16$, magic $\mathcal{N}=4$ and magic non-supersymmetric theories, obtained by dimensionally reducing the $D=4$ parent theories on a circle, with the graviphoton left undualised. In particular, the extremal intermediate non-reductive Lie algebra $\tilde{\mathfrak{e}}_{7(7)\scriptscriptstyle{\frac{1}{2}}}$ (which is not a subalgebra of $\mathfrak{e}_{8(8)}$) is the non-compact global symmetry algebra of $D=3$, $\mathcal{N}=16$ supergravity as obtained by dimensionally reducing $D=4$, $\mathcal{N}=8$ supergravity with $\mathfrak{e}_{7(7)}$ symmetry on a circle. The ternionic row (for appropriate choices of real forms) gives the non-compact global symmetries of the Lagrangian for the $D=4$ maximal $\mathcal{N}=8$, magic $\mathcal{N}=2$ and magic non-supersymmetric theories obtained by dimensionally reducing the parent $D=5$ theories on a circle. In particular, the Kantor-Koecher-Tits intermediate non-reductive Lie algebra $\mathfrak{e}_{6(6)\scriptscriptstyle{\frac{1}{4}}}$ is the non-compact global symmetry algebra of $D=4$, $\mathcal{N}=8$ supergravity as obtained by dimensionally reducing $D=5$, $\mathcal{N}=8$ supergravity with $\mathfrak{e}_{6(6)}$ symmetry on a circle.

hep-th↗
arXiv2016

Majorana Fermions in Particle Physics, Solid State and Quantum Information

This review is based on lectures given by M. J. Duff summarising the far reaching contributions of Ettore Majorana to fundamental physics, with special focus on Majorana fermions in all their guises. The theoretical discovery of the eponymous fermion in 1937 has since had profound implications for particle physics, solid state and quantum computation. The breadth of these disciplines is testimony to Majorana's genius, which continues to permeate physics today. These lectures offer a whistle-stop tour through some limited subset of the key ideas. In addition to touching on these various applications, we will draw out some fascinating relations connecting the normed division algebras $\mathbb{R}, \mathbb{C}, \mathbb{H}, \mathbb{O}$ to spinors, trialities, $K$-theory and the classification of stable topological states of symmetry-protected gapped free-fermion systems.

hep-th↗
arXiv2016

Twin Supergravities from Yang-Mills Squared

We consider `twin supergravities' - pairs of supergravities with $\mathcal{N}_+$ and $\mathcal{N}_-$ supersymmetries, $\mathcal{N}_+>\mathcal{N}_-$, with identical bosonic sectors - in the context of tensoring super Yang-Mills multiplets. It is demonstrated that the pairs of twin supergravity theories are related through their left and right super Yang-Mills factors. This procedure generates new theories from old. In particular, the matter coupled $\mathcal{N}_-$ twins in $D=3,5,6$ and the $\mathcal{N}_-=1$ twins in $D=4$ have not, as far as we are aware, been obtained previously using the double-copy construction, adding to the growing list of double-copy constructible theories. The use of fundamental matter multiplets in the double-copy construction leads us to introduce a bi-fundamental scalar that couples to the well-known bi-adjoint scalar field. It is also shown that certain matter coupled supergravities admit more than one factorisation into left and right super Yang-Mills-matter theories.

hep-th↗
arXiv2016

Gravity as the square of Yang-Mills?

In these lectures we review how the symmetries of gravitational theories may be regarded as originating from those of "Yang-Mills squared". We begin by motivating the idea that certain aspects of gravitational theories can be captured by the product, in some sense, of two distinct Yang-Mills theories, particularly in the context of scattering amplitudes. We then introduce a concrete dictionary for the covariant fields of (super)gravity in terms of the product of two (super) Yang-Mills theories. The dictionary implies that the symmetries of each (super) Yang-Mills factor generate the symmetries of the corresponding (super)gravity theory: general covariance, $p$-form gauge invariance, local Lorentz invariance, local supersymmetry, R-symmetry and U-duality.

hep-th↗
arXiv2016

Global symmetries of Yang-Mills squared in various dimensions

Tensoring two on-shell super Yang-Mills multiplets in dimensions $D\leq 10$ yields an on-shell supergravity multiplet, possibly with additional matter multiplets. Associating a (direct sum of) division algebra(s) $\mathbb{D}$ with each dimension $3\leq D\leq 10$ we obtain formulae for the algebras $\mathfrak{g}$ and $\mathfrak{h}$ of the U-duality group $G$ and its maximal compact subgroup $H$, respectively, in terms of the internal global symmetry algebras of each super Yang-Mills theory. We extend our analysis to include supergravities coupled to an arbitrary number of matter multiplets by allowing for non-supersymmetric multiplets in the tensor product.

hep-th↗