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M. Frau

Publications and source records attributed to M. Frau.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

$\mathcal{N}=2$ Universality at Strong Coupling

We present a detailed analysis of integrated correlators for an $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal field theory on a squashed sphere with SU$(N)$ gauge group and fundamental/anti-symmetric matter. Employing the matrix model arising from supersymmetric localisation, we compute derivatives of the partition function $\mathcal{Z}$ with respect to the fundamental mass ($\mu$), the anti-symmetric mass ($m$) and the squashing parameter ($b$), corresponding to integrated insertions of the $\mathcal{N}=2$ flavour-current and stress-tensor multiplets, which are holographically dual to gluon and graviton scatterings in the presence of D7-branes. For correlators dual to only graviton scatterings, we confirm the planar-limit equivalence with $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM. Our main result is a remarkable universality for the mixed gluon-graviton scattering amplitudes off D7-branes, obtained from $\partial_\mu^2 \partial_m^2 \log \mathcal{Z}$ and $\partial_\mu^2 \partial_b^2 \log \mathcal{Z}$. We show that the leading and sub-leading large-$N$ contributions in the strong-coupling regime are governed by universal asymptotic series, identical to those found for integrated giant-graviton correlators in $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM. We also propose an $\text{SL}(2, \mathbb{Z})$-invariant completion of these results in terms of non-holomorphic Eisenstein series. This completion provides exact constraints on higher-derivative terms in the dual $\text{AdS}_5$ brane-string amplitudes and highlights an unexpected universality across distinct superconformal theories at strong coupling.

hep-th

Integrated correlators in a $\mathcal{N}=2$ SYM theory with fundamental flavors: a matrix-model perspective

The D theory is a $\mathcal{N}=2$ conformal SYM theory in four dimensions with gauge group SU($N$), four matter hypermultiplets in the fundamental and two in the anti-symmetric representation, and a flavor symmetry that contains a U(4) factor. Its holographic dual is obtained via a combination of orbifold and orientifold projections from Type II B string theory on $\mathrm{AdS}_5 \times S^5$ and possesses a sector of open strings attached to D7 branes with U(4) Chan-Paton factors. The AdS Veneziano amplitude of the U(4) gluons is dual to four-point correlators of moment-map operators of the U(4) flavor symmetry in the D theory. An integrated version of these correlators is captured by a deformation of the D theory in which the fundamental hypermultiplets acquire a mass. The partition function of this massive theory can be evaluated with matrix-model techniques using localization. In this paper we analyze the matrix model of the mass-deformed D theory arising from localization using the so-called "full Lie algebra" approach in a $1/N$ expansion. In particular, we study the partition function and its mass derivatives up to $O(1/N^2)$ corrections obtaining exact expressions that are valid for all values of the 't Hooft coupling. We also analyze their behavior at strong coupling where our results produce useful constraints on the dual open string scattering amplitudes in AdS.

hep-th

A note on integrated correlators with a Wilson line in $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM

We revisit the analysis of the integrated 2-point functions of local operators with a $\frac{1}{2}$-BPS Wilson line in $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM. After including suitable parity-odd terms in the parametrization of the defect correlators, we are able to solve the superconformal Ward identities in terms of an unconstrained function of the cross-ratios. Exploiting this general solution, we obtain a simple expression of the integration measure for the integrated correlators with a Wilson line. We test our result by integrating the available bootstrap expression of the unintegrated correlator at strong coupling against the predictions of supersymmetric localization, finding perfect agreement.

hep-th

Non-stabilizerness versus entanglement in matrix product states

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between entanglement and non-stabilizerness (also known as magic) in matrix product states (MPSs). We study the relation between magic and the bond dimension used to approximate the ground state of a many-body system in two different contexts: full state of magic and mutual magic (the non-stabilizer analogue of mutual information, thus free of boundary effects) of spin-1 anisotropic Heisenberg chains. Our results indicate that obtaining converged results for non-stabilizerness is typically considerably easier than entanglement. For full state magic at critical points and at sufficiently large volumes, we observe convergence with $1/\chi^2$, with $\chi$ being the MPS bond dimension. At small volumes, magic saturation is so quick that, within error bars, we cannot appreciate any finite-$\chi$ correction. Mutual magic also shows a fast convergence with bond dimension, whose specific functional form is however hindered by sampling errors. As a by-product of our study, we show how Pauli-Markov chains (originally formulated to evaluate magic) resets the state of the art in terms of computing mutual information for MPS. We illustrate this last fact by verifying the logarithmic increase of mutual information between connected partitions at critical points. By comparing mutual information and mutual magic, we observe that, for connected partitions, the latter is typically scaling much slower - if at all - with the partition size, while for disconnected partitions, both are constant in size.

quant-ph

A matrix-model approach to integrated correlators in a $\mathcal{N}=2$ SYM theory

In a $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal gauge theory with matter hypermultiplets transforming in the symmetric and anti-symmetric representations of SU($N$), we study the integrated correlators of two Coulomb-branch operators and two moment-map operators using localization. In the corresponding matrix model we identify the operator associated with the integrated insertions of moment-map operators and provide for it an exact expression valid for all values of the coupling constant in the planar limit. This allows us to study the integrated correlators at strong-coupling where we show that they behave as the 2-point functions of the Coulomb-branch operators, up to an overall constant dependent only on the conformal dimensions of the latter. The strong-coupling relation between integrated correlators and 2-point functions turns out to be the same as in $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM at large $N$, despite the reduced amount of supersymmetry in our theory.

hep-th

Integrated correlators with a Wilson line in $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM

In the context of integrated correlators in $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM, we study the 2-point functions of local operators with a superconformal line defect. Starting from the mass-deformed $\mathcal{N}=2^*$ theory in presence of a $\frac{1}{2}$-BPS Wilson line, we exploit the residual superconformal symmetry after the defect insertion, and show that the massive deformation corresponds to integrated insertions of the superconformal primaries belonging to the stress tensor multiplet with a specific integration measure which is explicitly derived after enforcing the superconformal Ward identities. Finally, we show how the Wilson line integrated correlator can be computed by the $\mathcal{N}=2^*$ Wilson loop vacuum expectation value on a 4-sphere in terms of a matrix model using supersymmetric localization. In particular, we reformulate previous matrix model computations by making use of recursion relations and Bessel kernels, providing a direct link with more general localization computations in $\mathcal{N}=2$ theories.

hep-th

Strong coupling expansions in $\mathcal{N}=2$ quiver gauge theories

We study the 3-point functions of gauge-invariant scalar operators in four dimensional $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal quiver theories using supersymmetric localization in the planar limit of a large number of colors. By exploiting a web of nontrivial relations, we show that the 3-point functions can be expressed in terms of the 2-point functions through exact Ward-like identities that are valid for all values of the coupling constant. In this way, using recent results about the 2-point functions, we are able to obtain the asymptotic strong-coupling expansion of the 3-point functions and of the corresponding structure constants in the planar limit. Our results extend to sub-leading orders what has been recently found at leading order, where a precise match with calculations within the AdS/CFT correspondence at the supergravity level is possible. Therefore, our findings can be interpreted also as a prediction for the sub-leading string corrections to these holographic calculations.

hep-th

Localization vs holography in $4d$ $\mathcal{N}=2$ quiver theories

We study 4-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal quiver gauge theories obtained with an orbifold projection from $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM, and compute the 2- and 3-point correlation functions among chiral/anti-chiral single-trace scalar operators and the corresponding structure constants. Exploiting localization, we map the computation to an interacting matrix model and obtain expressions for the correlators and the structure constants that are valid for any value of the 't Hooft coupling in the planar limit of the theory. At strong coupling, these expressions simplify and allow us to extract the leading behavior in an analytic way. Finally, using the AdS/CFT correspondence, we compute the structure constants from the dual supergravity theory and obtain results that perfectly match the strong-coupling predictions from localization.

hep-th

Structure constants in $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal quiver theories at strong coupling and holography

In a four-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal quiver theory with gauge group $\mathrm{SU}(N)\times\mathrm{SU}(N)$ and bi-fundamental matter, we analytically obtain the exact strong-coupling behavior of the normalized 3-point correlators of single-trace scalar operators in the large-$N$ limit using localization techniques. We then obtain the same strong-coupling behavior from the holographic dual using the AdS/CFT correspondence at the supergravity level. This agreement confirms the validity of the analytic strong-coupling results and of the holographic correspondence in a non-maximally supersymmetric set-up in four dimensions.

hep-th

Three-point functions in a $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal gauge theory and their strong-coupling limit

We study the 3-point functions of single-trace scalar operators in a four-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=2$ SYM theory with gauge group $\mathrm{SU}(N)$ and matter in the symmetric plus anti-symmetric representation, which has a vanishing $\beta$-function. By mapping this computation to the matrix model arising from localization on a 4-sphere we are able to resum the perturbative expansion in the large-$N$ 't Hooft limit and derive the behavior of the correlators at strong coupling. Finally, by combining our results on the 3-point functions with those on the 2-point functions that have been recently found, we obtain the normalized 3-point coefficients of this conformal field theory at strong coupling and find that they depend in a simple way on the conformal dimensions of the single-trace operators.

hep-th

Strong-coupling results for $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal quivers and holography

We consider $\mathcal{N}=2$ superconformal quiver gauge theories in four dimensions and evaluate the chiral/anti-chiral correlators of single-trace operators. We show that it is convenient to form particular twisted and untwisted combinations of these operators suggested by the dual holographic description of the theory. The various twisted sectors are orthogonal and the correlators in each sector have always the same structure, as we show at the lowest orders in perturbation theory with Feynman diagrams. Using localization we then map the computation to a matrix model. In this way we are able to obtain formal expressions for the twisted correlators in the planar limit that are valid for all values of the 't Hooft coupling $λ$, and find that they are proportional to $1/λ$ at strong coupling. We successfully test the correctness of our extrapolation against a direct numerical evaluation of the matrix model and argue that the $1/λ$ behavior qualitatively agrees with the holographic description.

hep-th

Exact results in a N=2 superconformal gauge theory at strong coupling

We consider the $\mathcal{N}=2$ SYM theory with gauge group SU($N$) and a matter content consisting of one multiplet in the symmetric and one in the anti-symmetric representation. This conformal theory admits a large-$N$ 't Hooft expansion and is dual to a particular orientifold of $AdS_{5}\times S^{5}$. We analyze this gauge theory relying on the matrix model provided by localization a la Pestun. Even though this matrix model has very non-trivial interactions, by exploiting the full Lie algebra approach to the matrix integration, we show that a large class of observables can be expressed in a closed form in terms of an infinite matrix depending on the 't Hooft coupling $λ$. These exact expressions can be used to generate the perturbative expansions at high orders in a very efficient way, and also to study analytically the leading behavior at strong coupling. We successfully compare these predictions to a direct Monte Carlo numerical evaluation of the matrix integral and to the Padé resummations derived from very long perturbative series, that turn out to be extremely stable beyond the convergence disk $|λ|<π^2$ of the latter.

hep-th

On the D(-1)/D7-brane systems

We study non-perturbative effects in supersymmetric U(N) gauge theories in eight dimensions realized by means of D(-1)/D7-brane systems with non-trivial world-volume fluxes turned on. Using an explicit string construction in terms of vertex operators, we derive the action for the open strings ending on the D(-1)-branes and exhibit its BRST structure. The space of vacua for these open strings is shown to be in correspondence with the moduli space of generalized ADHM gauge connections which trigger the non-perturbative corrections in the eight-dimensional theory. These corrections are computed via localization and turn out to depend on the curved background used to localize the integrals on the instanton moduli space, and vanish in flat space. Finally, we show that for specific choices of the background the instanton partition functions reduce to weighted sums of the solid partitions of the integers.

hep-th

Surface Defects from Fractional Branes -- II

A generic half-BPS surface defect of ${\mathcal N}=4$ supersymmetric U$(N)$ Yang-Mills theory is described by a partition of $N = n_1 + \ldots + n_M$ and a set of $4M$ continuous parameters. We show that such a defect can be realized by $n_I$ stacks of fractional D3-branes in Type II B string theory on a $\mathbb{Z}_M$ orbifold background in which the brane world-volume is partially extended along the orbifold directions. In this set up we show that the $4M$ continuous parameters correspond to constant background values of certain twisted closed string scalars of the orbifold. These results extend and generalize what we have presented for the simple defects in a previous paper.

hep-th

Surface Defects from Fractional Branes -- I

We show that the Gukov-Witten monodromy defects of supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory can be realized in perturbative string theory by considering an orbifold background of the Kanno-Tachikawa type and placing stacks of fractional D3-branes whose world-volume partially extends along the orbifold directions. In particular, we show that turning on a constant background value for some scalar fields in the closed string twisted sectors induces a non-trivial profile for the gauge field and one of the complex scalars of the world-volume theory, and that this profile exactly matches the singular behavior that one expects for a Gukov-Witten surface defect in the $\mathcal{N}=4$ super Yang-Mills theory. To keep the presentation as simple as possible, in this work we restrict our analysis to surface defects corresponding to a $\mathbb{Z}_2$ orbifold and defer the study of the most general case to a companion paper.

hep-th

Surface operators, dual quivers and contours

We study half-BPS surface operators in four dimensional N=2 SU(N) gauge theories, and analyze their low-energy effective action on the four dimensional Coulomb branch using equivariant localization. We also study surface operators as coupled 2d/4d quiver gauge theories with an SU(N) flavour symmetry. In this description, the same surface operator can be described by different quivers that are related to each other by two dimensional Seiberg duality. We argue that these dual quivers correspond, on the localization side, to distinct integration contours that can be determined by the Fayet-Iliopoulos parameters of the two dimensional gauge nodes. We verify the proposal by mapping the solutions of the twisted chiral ring equations of the 2d/4d quivers onto individual residues of the localization integrand.

hep-th

Surface operators in 5d gauge theories and duality relations

We study half-BPS surface operators in 5d N=1 gauge theories compactified on a circle. Using localization methods and the twisted chiral ring relations of coupled 3d/5d quiver gauge theories, we calculate the twisted chiral superpotential that governs the infrared properties of these surface operators. We make a detailed analysis of the localization integrand, and by comparing with the results from the twisted chiral ring equations obtain constraints on the 3d and 5d Chern-Simons levels so that the instanton partition function does not depend on the choice of integration contour. For these values of the Chern-Simons couplings, we comment on how the distinct quiver theories that realize the same surface operator are related to each other by Aharony-Seiberg dualities.

hep-th

Surface operators, chiral rings, and localization in N=2 gauge theories

We study half-BPS surface operators in supersymmetric gauge theories in four and five dimensions following two different approaches. In the first approach we analyze the chiral ring equations for certain quiver theories in two and three dimensions, coupled respectively to four- and five-dimensional gauge theories. The chiral ring equations, which arise from extremizing a twisted chiral superpotential, are solved as power series in the infrared scales of the quiver theories. In the second approach we use equivariant localization and obtain the twisted chiral superpotential as a function of the Coulomb moduli of the four- and five-dimensional gauge theories, and find a perfect match with the results obtained from the chiral ring equations. In the five-dimensional case this match is achieved after solving a number of subtleties in the localization formulas which amounts to choosing a particular residue prescription in the integrals that yield the Nekrasov-like partition functions for ramified instantons. We also comment on the necessity of including Chern-Simons terms in order to match the superpotentials obtained from dual quiver descriptions of a given surface operator.

hep-th