arXiv subjects

Patrick Jefferson

Publications and source records attributed to Patrick Jefferson.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Punctures for Theories of Class $\mathcal{S}_Γ$

With the aim of understanding compactifications of 6D superconformal field theories to four dimensions, we study punctures for theories of class $\mathcal{S}_Γ$. The class $\mathcal{S}_Γ$ theories arise from M5-branes probing $\mathbb{C}^2 / Γ$, an ADE singularity. The resulting 4D theories descend from compactification on Riemann surfaces decorated with punctures. We show that for class $\mathcal{S}_Γ$ theories, a puncture is specified by singular boundary conditions for fields in the 5D quiver gauge theory obtained from compactification of the 6D theory on a cylinder geometry. We determine general boundary conditions and study in detail solutions with first order poles. This yields a generalization of the Nahm pole data present for $1/2$ BPS punctures for theories of class $\mathcal{S}$. Focusing on specific algebraic structures, we show how the standard discussion of nilpotent orbits and its connection to representations of $\mathfrak{su}(2)$ generalizes in this broader context.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Negative Branes, Supergroups and the Signature of Spacetime

We study the realization of supergroup gauge theories using negative branes in string theory. We show that negative branes are intimately connected with the possibility of timelike compactification and exotic spacetime signatures previously studied by Hull. Isolated negative branes dynamically generate a change in spacetime signature near their worldvolumes, and are related by string dualities to a smooth M-theory geometry with closed timelike curves. Using negative D3 branes, we show that $SU(0|N)$ supergroup theories are holographically dual to an exotic variant of type IIB string theory on $dS_{3,2} \times \bar S^5$, for which the emergent dimensions are timelike. Using branes, mirror symmetry and Nekrasov's instanton calculus, all of which agree, we derive the Seiberg-Witten curve for $\mathcal N=2 ~SU(N|M)$ gauge theories. Together with our exploration of holography and string dualities for negative branes, this suggests that supergroup gauge theories may be non-perturbatively well-defined objects, though several puzzles remain.

hep-th↗

arXiv2013

Multi-channel S-matrices from energy levels in finite boxes

We show that for a generic quantum mechanical system with more than one open scattering channel, it is not possible to fully reconstruct the theory's S-matrix from spectral information obtained in large finite volumes with periodic boundary conditions. Physically distinct S-matrices can have identical finite-volume spectra for large finite boxes of arbitrary sizes. If the theory is not time-reversal symmetric, there exists an uncountably infinite set of distinct S-matrices with the same spectra. If the theory respects time-reversal symmetry there exists a discrete set of S-matrices with identical energy levels for finite boxes. We illustrate the issue for simple quantum mechanical systems in 1+1 dimensions.

hep-lat↗