arXiv subjects

Spenta R. Wadia

Publications and source records attributed to Spenta R. Wadia.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2009

The Incompressible Non-Relativistic Navier-Stokes Equation from Gravity

We note that the equations of relativistic hydrodynamics reduce to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in a particular scaling limit. In this limit boundary metric fluctuations of the underlying relativistic system turn into a forcing function identical to the action of a background electromagnetic field on the effectively charged fluid. We demonstrate that special conformal symmetries of the parent relativistic theory descend to `accelerated boost' symmetries of the Navier-Stokes equations, uncovering a possibly new conformal symmetry structure of these equations. Applying our scaling limit to holographically induced fluid dynamics, we find gravity dual descriptions of an arbitrary solution of the forced non-relativistic incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. In the holographic context we also find a simple forced steady state shear solution to the Navier-Stokes equations, and demonstrate that this solution turns unstable at high enough Reynolds numbers, indicating a possible eventual transition to turbulence.

hep-th↗

arXiv2009

Asymptotically free four-fermi theory in 4 dimensions at the z=3 Lifshitz-like fixed point

We show that a Nambu-Jona-Lasinio type four-fermion coupling at the z=3 Lifshitz-like fixed point in 3+1 dimensions is asymptotically free and generates a mass scale dynamically. This result is nonperturbative in the limit of a large number of fermion species. The theory is ultra-violet complete and at low energies exhibits Lorentz invariance as an emergent spacetime symmetry. Many of our results generalize to z=d in odd d spatial dimensions; z=d=1 corresponds to the Gross-Neveu model. The above mechanism of mass generation has potential applications to the fermion mass problem and to dynamical electroweak symmetry breaking. We present a scenario in which a composite Higgs field arises from a condensate of these fermions, which then couples to quarks and leptons of the standard model. Such a scenario could eliminate the need for the Higgs potential and the associated hierarchy problem. We also show that the axial anomaly formula at z=3 coincides with the usual one in the relativistic domain.

hep-th↗

arXiv2009

Hydrodynamics from the D1-brane

We study the hydrodynamic properties of strongly coupled SU(N) Yang-Mills theory of the D1-brane at finite temperature in the framework of gauge/gravity duality. The only non-trivial viscous transport coefficient in 1+1 dimensions is the bulk viscosity. We evaluate the bulk viscosity by isolating the quasi-normal mode corresponding to the sound channel for the gravitational background of the D1-brane. We find that the ratio of the bulk viscosity to the entropy density to be 1/4π. This ratio continues to be $1/4π$ also in the regime when the D1-brane Yang-Mills theory is dual to the gravitational background of the fundamental string. Our analysis shows that this ratio is equal to 1/4πfor a class of gravitational backgrounds dual to field theories in 1+1 dimensions obtained by considering D1-branes at cones over Sasaki-Einstein 7-manifolds.

hep-th↗

arXiv2009

Forced Fluid Dynamics from Gravity

We generalise the computations of arXiv:0712.2456 to generate long wavelength, asymptotically locally AdS_5 solutions to the Einstein-dilaton system with a slowly varying boundary dilaton field and a weakly curved boundary metric. Upon demanding regularity, our solutions are dual, under the AdS/CFT correspondence, to arbitrary fluid flows in the boundary theory formulated on a weakly curved manifold with a prescribed slowly varying coupling constant. These solutions turn out to be parametrised by four-velocity and temperature fields that are constrained to obey the boundary covariant Navier Stokes equations with a dilaton dependent forcing term. We explicitly evaluate the stress tensor and Lagrangian as a function of the velocity, temperature, coupling constant and curvature fields, to second order in the derivative expansion and demonstrate the Weyl covariance of these expressions. We also construct the event horizon of the dual solutions to second order in the derivative expansion, and use the area form on this event horizon to construct an entropy current for the dual fluid. As a check of our constructions we expand the exactly known solutions for rotating black holes in global AdS_5 in a boundary derivative expansion and find perfect agreement with all our results upto second order. We also find other simple solutions of the forced fluid mechanics equations and discuss their bulk interpretation. Our results may aid in determining a bulk dual to forced flows exhibiting steady state turbulence.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

String Theory: A Framework for Quantum Gravity and Various Applications

In this semi-technical review we discuss string theory (and all that goes by that name) as a framework for a quantum theory of gravity. This is a new paradigm in theoretical physics that goes beyond relativistic quantum field theory. We provide concrete evidence for this proposal. It leads to the resolution of the ultra-violet catastrophe of Einstein's theory of general relativity and an explanation of the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy (of a class of black holes) in terms of Boltzmann's formula for entropy in statistical mechanics. We discuss `the holographic principle' and its precise and consequential formulation in the AdS/CFT correspondence of Maldacena. One consequence of this correspondence is the ability to do strong coupling calculations in SU(N) gauge theories in terms of semi-classical gravity. In particular, we indicate a connection between dissipative fluid dynamics and the dynamics of black hole horizons. We end with a discussion of elementary particle physics and cosmology in the framework of string theory. We do not cover all aspects of string theory and its applications to diverse areas of physics and mathematics, but follow a few paths in a vast landscape of ideas. (This article has been prepared for the TWAS Silver Jubilee)

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Monte Carlo Studies of the GWW Phase Transition in Large-N Gauge Theories

In the study of the small ten-dimensional Schwarzschild blackhole, the blackhole to string transition is an important problem. In hep-th/0605041, a possible identification is made between the Gross-Witten-Wadia (GWW) type third-order large-N phase transition in the boundary gauge theory and the string-black hole transition in the bulk. In this paper, we exhibit the existence of the GWW transition by Monte Carlo simulation in the zero mode bosonic action of the finite-temperature N=4 SYM theory on S^3. Exhibiting this transition in the truncated but highly non-trivial gauge theory implies that in the vicinity of the critical temperature T_c, the system goes critical, and the fluctuations give rise to universal formulas derived in hep-th/0605041 We also discuss the issue of SO(6) R-symmetry breaking.

hep-th↗

arXiv2006

Plasma balls/kinks as solitons of large $N$ confining gauge theories

We discuss finite regions of the deconfining phase of a confining gauge theory (plasma balls/kinks) as solitons of the large $N$, long wavelength, effective Lagrangian of the thermal gauge theory expressed in terms of suitable order parameters. We consider a class of confining gauge theories whose effective Lagrangian turns out to be a generic 1 dim. unitary matrix model. The dynamics of this matrix model can be studied by an exact mapping to a non-relativistic many fermion problem on a circle. We present an approximate solution to the equations of motion which corresponds to the motion (in Euclidean time) of the Fermi surface interpolating between the phase where the fermions are uniformly distributed on the circle (confinement phase) and the phase where the fermion distribution has a gap on the circle (deconfinement phase). We later self-consistently verify that the approximation is a good one. We discuss some properties and implications of the solution including the surface tension which turns out to be positive. As a by product of our investigation we point out the problem of obtaining time dependent solutions in the collective field theory formalism due to generic shock formation.

hep-th↗

arXiv2006

Gauge theory description of the fate of the small Schwarzschild blackhole

In this talk we discuss the fate of the small Schwarzschild blackhole of $AdS_5\times S^5$ using the AdS/CFT correspondence at finite temperature. The third order $N = \infty$ phase transition in the gauge theory corresponds to the blackhole-string transition. This singularity is resolved using a double scaling limit in the transition region. The phase transition becomes a smooth crossover where multiply wound Polyakov lines condense. In particular the density of states is also smooth at the crossover. We discuss the implications of our results for the singularity of the Lorenztian section of the small Schwarzschild blackhole. (\it {Talk given at the 12th Regional conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, based on hep-th/0605041})

hep-th↗

arXiv2006

Blackhole/String Transition for the Small Schwarzschild Blackhole of $AdS_5 \times S^5$ and Critical Unitary Matrix Models

In this paper we discuss the blackhole-string transition of the small Schwarzschild blackhole of $AdS_5 \times S^5$ using the AdS/CFT correspondence at finite temperature. The finite temperature gauge theory effective action, at weak {\it and} strong coupling, can be expressed entirely in terms of constant Polyakov lines which are $SU (N)$ matrices. In showing this we have taken into account that there are no Nambu-Goldstone modes associated with the fact that the 10 dimensional blackhole solution sits at a point in $S^5$. We show that the phase of the gauge theory in which the eigenvalue spectrum has a gap corresponds to supergravity saddle points in the bulk theory. We identify the third order $N = \infty$ phase transition with the blackhole-string transition. This singularity can be resolved using a double scaling limit in the transition region where the large N expansion is organized in terms of powers of $N^{-2/3}$. The $N = \infty$ transition now becomes a smooth crossover in terms of a renormalized string coupling constant, reflecting the physics of large but finite N. Multiply wound Polyakov lines condense in the crossover region. We also discuss the implications of our results for the resolution of the singularity of the Lorenztian section of the small Schwarzschild blackhole.

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

R-charged AdS_{5} black holes and large N unitary matrix models

Using the AdS/CFT, we establish a correspondence between the intricate thermal phases of R-charged AdS_{5} blackholes and the R-charge sector of the N=4 gauge theory, in the large N limit. Integrating out all fields in the gauge theory except the thermal Polyakov line, leads to an effective unitary matrix model. In the canonical ensemble, a logarithmic term is generated in the non-zero charge sector of the matrix model. This term is important to discuss various supergravity properties like i) the non-existence of thermal AdS as a solution, ii) the existence of a point of cusp catastrophe in the phase diagram and iii) the matching of saddle points and the critical exponents of supergravity and those of the effective matrix model.

hep-th↗

arXiv2004

Stringy Quantum Effects in 2-Dimensional Black-Hole

We discuss the classical 2-dim. black-hole in the framework of the non-perturbative formulation (in terms of non-relativistic fermions) of c=1 string field theory. We identify an off-shell operator whose classical equation of motion is that of tachyon in the classical graviton-dilaton black-hole background. The black-hole `singularity' is identified with the fermi surface in the phase space of a single fermion, and as such is a consequence of the semi-classical approximation. An exact treatment reveals that stringy quantum effects wash away the classical singularity.

hep-th↗

arXiv2004

Wave Propagation in Stringy Black Hole

We further study the nonperturbative formulation of two-dimensional black holes. We find a nonlinear differential equation satisfied by the tachyon in the black hole background. We show that singularities in the tachyon field configurations are always associated with divergent semiclassical expansions and are absent in the exact theory. We also discuss how the Euclidian black hole emerges from an analytically continued fermion theory that corresponds to the right side up harmonic oscillator potential.

hep-th↗

arXiv2004

Rolling tachyon solution of two-dimensional string theory

We consider a classical (string) field theory of $c=1$ matrix model which was developed earlier in hep-th/9207011 and subsequent papers. This is a noncommutative field theory where the noncommutativity parameter is the string coupling $g_s$. We construct a classical solution of this field theory and show that it describes the complete time history of the recently found rolling tachyon on an unstable D0 brane.

hep-th↗

arXiv2003

String bits in small radius AdS and weakly coupled N=4 Super Yang-Mills Theory: I

We study light-cone gauge quantization of IIB strings in AdS_5 \times S^5 for small radius in Poincare coordinates. A picture of strings made up of noninteracting bits emerges in the zero radius limit. In this limit, each bit behaves like a superparticle moving in the AdS_5 \times S^5 background, carrying appropriate representations of the super conformal group PSU(2,2|4). The standard Hamiltonian operator which causes evolution in the light-cone time has continuous eigenvalues and provides a basis of states which is not suitable for comparing with the dual super Yang-Mills theory. However, there exist operators in the light-cone gauge which have discrete spectra and can be used to label the states. We obtain the spectrum of single bit states and construct multi-bit states in this basis. There are difficulties in the construction of string states from the multi-bit states, which we discuss. A non-zero value of the radius introduces interactions between the bits and the spectrum of multi-bit states gets modified. We compute the leading perturbative corrections at small radius for a few simple cases. Potential divergences in the perturbative corrections, arising from strings near the boundary, cancel. This encourages us to believe that our perturbative treatment could provide a framework for a rigorous and detailed testing of the AdS/CFT conjecture, once the difficulties in the construction of string states are resolved.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

Microscopic Formulation of Black Holes in String Theory

In this Report we review the microscopic formulation of the five dimensional black hole of type IIB string theory in terms of the D1-D5 brane system. The emphasis here is more on the brane dynamics than on supergravity solutions. We show how the low energy brane dynamics, combined with crucial inputs from AdS/CFT correspondence, leads to a derivation of black hole thermodynamics and the rate of Hawking radiation. Our approach requires a detailed exposition of the gauge theory and conformal field theory of the D1-D5 system. We also discuss some applications of the AdS/CFT correspondence in the context of black hole formation in three dimensions by thermal transition and by collision of point particles.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

Aspects of Semiclassical Strings in AdS$_5$

We find an infinite number of conserved currents and charges in the semiclassical limit $λ\to \infty$ of string theory in AdS$_5 \times S^5$ and remark on their relevance to conserved charges in the dual gauge theory. We establish a general procedure of exploring the semiclassical limit by viewing the classical motion as collective motion in the relevant part of the configuration space. We illustrate the procedure for semiclassical expansion around solutions of string theory on AdS$_5 \times (S^5/Z_M)$.

hep-th↗

arXiv2001

Matrix dynamics of fuzzy spheres

We study the dynamics of fuzzy two-spheres in a matrix model which represents string theory in the presence of RR flux. We analyze the stability of known static solutions of such a theory which contain commuting matrices and SU(2) representations. We find that irreducible as well as reducible representations are stable. Since the latter are of higher energy, this stability poses a puzzle. We resolve this puzzle by noting that reducible representations have marginal directions corresponding to non-spherical deformations. We obtain new static solutions by turning on these marginal deformations. These solutions now have instability or tachyonic directions. We discuss condensation of these tachyons which correspond to classical trajectories interpolating from multiple, small fuzzy spheres to a single, large sphere. We briefly discuss spatially independent configurations of a D3/D5 system described by the same matrix model which now possesses a supergravity dual.

hep-th↗

arXiv2000

Status of Microscopic Modeling of Black Holes by D1-D5 System

We briefly review the microscopic modeling of black holes as bound states of branes in the context of the soluble D1-D5 system. We present a discussion of the low energy brane dynamics and account for black hole thermodynamics and Hawking radiation rates. These considerations are valid in the regime of supergravity due to the non-renormalization of the low energy dynamics in this model. Using Maldacena duality and standard statistical mechanics methods one can account for black hole thermodynamics and calculate the absorption cross section and the Hawking radiation rates. Hence, at least in the case of this model black hole, since we can account for black hole properties within a unitary theory, there is no information paradox.

hep-th↗