arXiv subjects

Marcus Sperling

Publications and source records attributed to Marcus Sperling.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Generalised Symmetries, Anomalies, and Maximal Branches of 3d Chern-Simons Matter Theories

The generalised symmetries, 't Hooft anomalies, and their interplay with maximal branches are analysed for linear unitary three-dimensional $\mathcal{N}\geq 3$ Chern-Simons Matter quiver theories realised in Type IIB brane configurations. The 1-form symmetry, its self-anomaly and its maximal anomaly-free subgroup are determined independently from Wilson-line screening and from the string lattice. Fractional monopole endpoints of the generating Gukov-Witten defect are used to extract the anomaly data, while centre charges of integer monopoles determine the faithful 0-form symmetry group, its connected cover and possible 2-group structures. Mixed anomalies with non-abelian 0-form factors are found to cancel in the linear unitary theories considered. The effect of 1-form gauging on maximal branches is related to frozen D3-brane sectors, which flow to Chern-Simons TQFTs whose anyonic lines obstruct the required defect endpoint. This yields a criterion for affected branches and implies that at most two can be affected simultaneously. In such a case, a magnetic-quiver extension by non-simply laced edges is proposed, wherein the 1-form symmetry and its mixed anomaly with the branch isometry are reproduced.

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arXiv2025

Orthosymplectic Chern-Simons Matter Theories: Global Forms, Dualities, and Vacua

A magnetic quiver framework is proposed for studying maximal branches of 3d orthosymplectic Chern--Simons matter theories with $\mathcal{N} \geq 3$ supersymmetry, arising from Type IIB brane setups with O3 planes. These branches are extracted via brane moves, yielding orthosymplectic $\mathcal{N}=4$ magnetic quivers whose Coulomb branches match the moduli spaces of interest. Global gauge group data, inaccessible from brane configurations alone, are determined through supersymmetric indices, Hilbert series, and fugacity maps. The analysis is exploratory in nature and highlights several subtle features. In particular, magnetic quivers are proposed as predictions for the maximal branches in a range of examples.

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arXiv2025

Classifying Isolated Symplectic Singularities via 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ Coulomb Branches

Based on the Decay and Fission Conjecture, we provide a classification of unitary quivers whose 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ Coulomb branches exhibit isolated singularities. This yields the complete list of isolated conical symplectic singularities that can arise in this way. In the process, we identify three new families of stable quivers: two giving rise to previously unknown isolated symplectic singularities, and one offering a novel realization of a known family.

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arXiv2025

Vacua, Symmetries, and Higgsing of Chern-Simons Matter Theories

Three-dimensional supersymmetric Chern-Simons Matter (CSM) theories typically preserve $ \mathcal{N}=3$ supersymmetry but can exhibit enhanced $\mathcal{N}=4$ supersymmetry under special conditions. A detailed understanding of the moduli space of CSM theories, however, has remained elusive. This paper addresses this gap by systematically analysing the maximal branches of the moduli space of $\mathcal{N}=3$ and $\mathcal{N}=4$ CSM realised via Type IIB brane constructions. Firstly, for $\mathcal{N}=4$ theories with Chern-Simons levels equal $1$, the $\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{Z})$ dualisation algorithm is employed to construct dual Lagrangian 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ theories without CS terms. This allows the full moduli space to be determined using quiver algorithms that compute Higgs and Coulomb branch Hasse diagrams and associated RG flows. Secondly, for $\mathcal{N}=4$ theories with CS-levels greater $1$, where $\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{Z})$ dualisation does not yield CS-free Lagrangians, a new prescription is introduced to derive two magnetic quivers, $\mathsf{MQ}_A $ and $\mathsf{MQ}_B$, whose Coulomb branches capture the maximal A and B branches of the original $\mathcal{N}=4$ CSM theory. Applying the decay and fission algorithm to $ \mathsf{MQ}_{A/B}$ then enables the systematic analysis of A/B branch RG flows and their geometric structures. Thirdly, for $\mathcal{N}=3$ CSM theories, one magnetic quiver for each maximal (hyper-K\"ahler) branch is derived from the brane system. This provides an efficient and comprehensive characterisation of these previously scarcely studied features.

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arXiv2024

Classification of Minimal Abelian Coulomb Branches

Obtaining the classification of 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ quivers whose Coulomb branches have an isolated singularity is an essential step in understanding moduli spaces of vacua of supersymmetric field theories with 8 supercharges in any dimension. In this work, we derive a full classification for such Abelian quivers with arbitrary charges, and identify all possible Coulomb branch geometries as quotients of $\mathbb{H}^n$ by $\mathrm{U}(1)$ or a finite cyclic group. We give two proofs, one which uses the decay and fission algorithm, and another one relying only on explicit computations involving 3d mirror symmetry. In the process, we put forward a method for computing the 3d mirror of any $\mathrm{U}(1)^r$ gauge theory, which is sensitive to discrete gauge factors in the mirror theory. This constitutes a confirmation for the decay and fission algorithm.

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arXiv2024

A Pathway to Decay and Fission of Orthosymplectic Quiver Theories

We present an algorithm to extract the Coulomb branch Hasse diagram of orthosymplectic 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ quiver gauge theories. The algorithm systematically predicts all descendant theories arising from Coulomb branch Higgsing, thereby detailing the stratification of the symplectic singularity defined by the initial Coulomb branch. Leveraging the Lie algebra isomorphism $\mathfrak{su}(4) \cong \mathfrak{so}(6)$, we validate our algorithm via the 3d mirror of 4d theories of class $\mathcal{S}$ of such type. This comparison involves moduli spaces that admit both orthosymplectic and unitary quiver realisations, the latter being well-understood via standard techniques such as Decay and Fission. Higgsing on the Coulomb branch of the 3d mirror or magnetic quiver translates to Higgs branch renormalization group flows of the corresponding higher-dimensional SCFTs. Thus, we benchmark our method via Higgsing 6d $\mathcal{N}=(1,0)$ D-type orbi-instanton theories, predicting novel Higgsing patterns involving products of interacting fixed points, and class $\mathcal{S}$ theories of type $\mathfrak{so}(2N)$, demonstrating Higgsing to products of theories of types specified by Levi subalgebras of $\mathfrak{so}(2N)$.

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arXiv2024

Quiver Subtraction on the Higgs Branch

This paper classifies all Higgs branch Higgsing patterns for simply-laced unitary quiver gauge theories with eight supercharges (including multiple loops) and introduces a Higgs branch subtraction algorithm. All possible minimal transitions are given, identifying differences between slices that emerge on the Higgs and Coulomb branches. In particular, the algorithm is sensitive to global information including monodromies and Namikawa-Weyl groups. Guided by symplectic duality, the algorithm further determines the global symmetry on the Coulomb branch, and verifies the exclusion of $C$ type or $F_4$ global symmetry for (simply-laced) unitary quiver gauge theories. The Higgs branches of some unitary quivers are verified to give slices in the nilpotent cones of exceptional simple Lie algebras.

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arXiv2024

Higgs branch RG-flows via Decay and Fission

Magnetic quivers have been an instrumental technique for advancing our understanding of Higgs branches of supersymmetric theories with 8 supercharges. In this work, we present the decay and fission algorithm for unitary magnetic quivers. It enables the derivation of the complete phase (Hasse) diagram and is characterised by the following key attributes: First and foremost, the algorithm is inherently simple; just relying on convex linear algebra. Second, any magnetic quiver can only undergo decay or fission processes; these reflect the possible Higgs branch RG-flows (Higgsings), and the quivers thereby generated are the magnetic quivers of the new RG fixed points. Third, the geometry of the decay or fission transition (i.e. the transverse slice) is simply read off. As a consequence, the algorithm does not rely on a complete list of minimal transitions, but rather outputs the transverse slice geometry automatically. As a proof of concept, its efficacy is showcased across various scenarios, encompassing SCFTs from dimensions 3 to 6, instanton moduli spaces, and little string theories.

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arXiv2023

Unravelling T-Duality: Magnetic Quivers in Rank-zero Little String Theories

An intriguing class of 6d supersymmetric theories are known as little strings theories, which exhibit a rich network of T-dualities. A robust feature of these theories are their Higgs branches. Focusing on the little string theories that are realised on a single curve of zero self-intersection, we utilise brane systems to derive the magnetic quivers. Using a variety of techniques (including branching rules, brane dynamics, F-theory geometry, quiver subtraction, and the decay and fission algorithm), we detail the Higgs branch Hasse diagram and determine the transverse slices for every elementary Higgs branch RG-flow. Building on these insights, we pursue two directions: firstly, we used the established connection between the change of the 2-Group structure constants along Higgs branch RG-flows and the transition-type in the Hasse diagram to infer putative T-dual models. Secondly, we conjecture an algorithm that predicts the non-Abelian flavour symmetry of the compactified little string theory by inspecting the magnetic quivers of all T-dual frames.

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arXiv2023

Decay and Fission of Magnetic Quivers

In exploring supersymmetric theories with 8 supercharges, the Higgs branches present an intriguing window into strong coupling dynamics. Magnetic quivers serve as crucial tools for understanding these branches. Here, we introduce the decay and fission algorithm for unitary magnetic quivers. It efficiently derives complete phase diagrams (Hasse diagrams) through convex linear algebra. It allows magnetic quivers to undergo decay or fission, reflecting Higgs branch RG-flows in the theory. Importantly, the algorithm generates magnetic quivers for the RG fixed points and simplifies the understanding of transverse slice geometry with no need for a list of minimal transitions. In contrast, the algorithm hints to the existence of a new minimal transition, whose geometry and physics needs to be explored.

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arXiv2023

Actions on the quiver -- Discrete quotients on the Coulomb branch

This paper introduces two operations in quiver gauge theories. The first operation takes a quiver with a permutation symmetry $S_n$ and gives a quiver with adjoint loops. The corresponding 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ Coulomb branches are related by an orbifold of $S_n$. The second operation takes a quiver with $n$ nodes connected by edges of multiplicity $k$ and replaces them by $n$ nodes of multiplicity $qk$. The corresponding Coulomb branch moduli spaces are related by an orbifold of type $\mathbb{Z}_q^{n-1}$. The first operation generalises known cases that appeared in the literature. These two operations can be combined to generate new relations between moduli spaces that are constructed using the magnetic construction.

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arXiv2023

A Tale of N Cones

We study particular families of bad 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ quiver gauge theories, whose Higgs branches consist of many cones. We show the role of a novel brane configuration in realizing the Higgs moduli for each distinct cone. Through brane constructions, magnetic quivers, Hasse diagrams, and Hilbert series computations we study the intricate structure of the classical Higgs branches. These Higgs branches are both non-normal (since they consist of multiple cones) and non-reduced (due to the presence of nilpotent operators in the chiral ring). Applying the principle of \emph{inversion} to the classical Higgs branch Hasse diagrams, we conjecture the quantum Coulomb branch Hasse diagrams. These Coulomb branches have several most singular loci, corresponding to the the several cones in the Higgs branch. We propose the Hasse diagrams of the full quantum moduli spaces of our theories. The quivers we study can be taken to be 5d effective gauge theories living on brane webs. Their infinite coupling theories have Higgs branches which also consist of multiple cones. Some of these cones have \emph{decorated} magnetic quivers, whose 3d Coulomb branches remain elusive.

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arXiv2023

3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ mirror symmetry with 1-form symmetry

The study of 3d mirror symmetry has greatly enhanced our understanding of various aspects of 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ theories. In this paper, starting with known mirror pairs of 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ quiver gauge theories and gauging discrete subgroups of the flavour or topological symmetry, we construct new mirror pairs with non-trivial 1-form symmetry. By providing explicit quiver descriptions of these theories, we thoroughly specify their symmetries (0-form, 1-form, and 2-group) and the mirror maps between them.

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arXiv2022

Rational $Q$-systems, Higgsing and Mirror Symmetry

The rational $Q$-system is an efficient method to solve Bethe ansatz equations for quantum integrable spin chains. We construct the rational $Q$-systems for generic Bethe ansatz equations described by an $A_{\ell-1}$ quiver, which include models with multiple momentum carrying nodes, generic inhomogeneities, generic diagonal twists and $q$-deformation. The rational $Q$-system thus constructed is specified by two partitions. Under Bethe/Gauge correspondence, the rational $Q$-system is in a one-to-one correspondence with a 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ quiver gauge theory of the type ${T}_{\boldsymbol{\rho}}^{\boldsymbol{\sigma}}[SU(n)]$, which is also specified by the same partitions. This shows that the rational $Q$-system is a natural language for the Bethe/Gauge correspondence, because known features of the ${T}_{\boldsymbol{\rho}}^{\boldsymbol{\sigma}}[SU(n)]$ theories readily translate. For instance, we show that the Higgs and Coulomb branch Higgsing correspond to modifying one of the partitions in the rational $Q$-system while keeping the other untouched. Similarly, mirror symmetry is realized in terms of the rational $Q$-system by simply swapping the two partitions - exactly as for ${T}_{\boldsymbol{\rho}}^{\boldsymbol{\sigma}}[SU(n)]$. We exemplify the computational efficiency of the rational $Q$-system by evaluating topologically twisted indices for 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ $U(n)$ SQCD theories with $n=1,\ldots,5$.

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arXiv2022

Magnetic quivers and negatively charged branes

The Higgs branches of the world-volume theories for multiple M5 branes on an $A_k$ or $D_k$-type ALE space are known to host a variety of fascinating properties, such as the small $E_8$ instanton transition or the discrete gauging phenomena. This setup can be further enriched by the inclusion of boundary conditions, which take the form of $SU(k)$ or $SO(2k)$ partitions, respectively. Unlike the $A$-type case, $D$-type boundary conditions are eventually accompanied by negative brane numbers in the Type IIA brane realisation. While this may seem discouraging at first, we demonstrate that these setups are well-suited to analyse the Higgs branches via magnetic quivers. Along the way, we encounter multiple models with previously neglected Higgs branches that exhibit exciting physics and novel geometric realisations. Nilpotent orbits, Slodowy slices, and symmetric products.

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arXiv2021

E-string Quantum Curve

In this work we study the quantisation of the Seiberg-Witten curve for the E-string theory compactified on a two-torus. We find that the resulting operator expression belongs to the class of elliptic quantum curves. It can be rephrased as an eigenvalue equation with eigenvectors corresponding to co-dimension 2 defect operators and eigenvalues to co-dimension 4 Wilson surfaces wrapping the elliptic curve, respectively. Moreover, the operator we find is a generalised version of the van Diejen operator arising in the study of elliptic integrable systems. Although the microscopic representation of the co-dimension 4 defect only furnishes an $\mathrm{SO}(16)$ flavour symmetry in the UV, we find an enhancement in the IR to representations in terms of affine $E_8$ characters. Finally, using the Nekrasov-Shatashvili limit of the E-string BPS partition function, we give a path integral derivation of the quantum curve.

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arXiv2021

Magnetic quivers and line defects -- On a duality between 3d N=4 unitary and orthosymplectic quivers

Supersymmetric Sp(k) quantum chromodynamics with 8 supercharges in space-time dimensions 3 to 6 can be realised by two different Type II brane configurations in the presence of orientifolds. Consequently, two types of magnetic quivers describe the Higgs branch of the Sp(k) SQCD theory. This is a salient example of a general phenomenon: a given hyper-Kahler Higgs branch may admit several magnetic quiver constructions. It is then natural to wonder if these different magnetic quivers, which are described by 3d N=4 theories, are dual theories. In this work, the unitary and orthosymplectic magnetic quiver theories are subjected to a variety of tests, providing evidence that they are IR dual to each other. For this, sphere partition function and supersymmetric indices are compared. Also, we study half BPS line defects and find interesting regularities from the viewpoints of exact results, brane configurations, and one-form symmetry.

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arXiv2021

Balanced B and D-type orthosymplectic quivers -- Magnetic quivers for product theories

We investigate orthosymplectic quivers that take the shape of D-type and B-type Dynkin diagrams. The D-type orthosymplectic quivers explored here contain a balanced "fork", i.e., a balanced subquiver with a D-type bifurcation, whereas the B-type orthosymplectic quivers are obtained by folding the D-type quivers. The Coulomb branches of these quivers are products of two moduli spaces. In the second part, the relevant orthosymplectic quivers are shown to emerge as magnetic quivers for brane configurations involving ON$^0$ planes. Notably, the appearance of ON$^0$ plane clarifies the product nature of the theories in question. The derivation leads to the analysis of magnetic quivers from branes systems with intersecting Op, O(p+2), and ON$^0$ planes.

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