arXiv subjects

Sunil Mukhi

Publications and source records attributed to Sunil Mukhi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Entanglement, Replicas, and Thetas

We compute the single-interval Renyi entropy (replica partition function) for free fermions in 1+1d at finite temperature and finite spatial size by two methods: (i) using the higher-genus partition function on the replica Riemann surface, and (ii) using twist operators on the torus. We compare the two answers for a restricted set of spin structures, leading to a non-trivial proposed equivalence between higher-genus Siegel $Θ$-functions and Jacobi $θ$-functions. We exhibit this proposal and provide substantial evidence for it. The resulting expressions can be elegantly written in terms of Jacobi forms. Thereafter we argue that the correct Renyi entropy for modular-invariant free-fermion theories, such as the Ising model and the Dirac CFT, is given by the higher-genus computation summed over all spin structures. The result satisfies the physical checks of modular covariance, the thermal entropy relation, and Bose-Fermi equivalence.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Extended Supersymmetric BMS$_3$ algebras and Their Free Field Realisations

We study $N=(2,4,8)$ supersymmetric extensions of the three dimensional BMS algebra (BMS$_3$) with most generic possible central extensions. We find that $N$-extended supersymmetric BMS$_3$ algebras can be derived by a suitable contraction of two copies of the extended superconformal algebras. Extended algebras from all the consistent contractions are obtained by scaling left-moving and right-moving supersymmetry generators symmetrically, while Virasoro and R-symmetry generators are scaled asymmetrically. On the way, we find that the BMS/GCA correspondence does not in general hold for supersymmetric systems. Using the $β$-$γ$ and the ${\mathfrak b}$-${\mathfrak c}$ systems, we construct free field realisations of all the extended super-BMS$_3$ algebras.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Free-field realisations of the BMS$_3$ algebra and its extensions

We construct an explicit realisation of the BMS$_3$ algebra with nonzero central charges using holomorphic free fields. This can be extended by the addition of chiral matter to a realisation having arbitrary values for the two independent central charges. Via the introduction of additional free fields, we extend our construction to the minimally supersymmetric BMS$_3$ algebra and to the nonlinear higher-spin BMS$_3$-W$_3$ algebra. We also describe an extended system that realises both the SU(2) current algebra as well as BMS$_3$ via the Wakimoto representation, though in this case introducing a central extension also brings in new non-central operators.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Two-dimensional RCFT's without Kac-Moody symmetry

Using the method of modular-invariant differential equations, we classify a family of Rational Conformal Field Theories with two and three characters having no Kac-Moody algebra. In addition to unitary and non-unitary minimal models, we find "dual" theories whose characters obey bilinear relations with those of the minimal models to give the Moonshine Module. In some ways this relation is analogous to cosets of meromorphic CFT's. The theory dual in this sense to the Ising model has central charge 47/2 and is related to the Baby Monster Module.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Cosets of Meromorphic CFTs and Modular Differential Equations

Some relations between families of two-character CFTs are explained using a slightly generalised coset construction, and the underlying theories (whose existence was only conjectured based on the modular differential equation) are constructed. The same method also gives rise to interesting new examples of CFTs with three and four characters.

hep-th↗

arXiv2015

On 2d Conformal Field Theories with Two Characters

Rational CFT's are classified by an integer $\ell$, the number of zeroes of the Wronskian of their characters in moduli space. For $\ell=0$ they satisfy non-singular modular-invariant differential equations, while for $\ell>0$ the corresponding equations have singularities. We survey CFT's with two characters and $\ell=0,2,3,4$ and verify the consistency, at the level of characters, of some candidate theories with $\ell\ne 0$. For $\ell=2$ there are seven consistents sets of characters. We identify specific combinations of level-1 current algebras that are potential symmetries of the corresponding CFT's.

hep-th↗

arXiv2015

Modular invariance and entanglement entropy

We study the Renyi and entanglement entropies for free 2d CFT's at finite temperature and finite size, with emphasis on their properties under modular transformations of the torus. We address the issue of summing over fermion spin structures in the replica trick, and show that the relation between entanglement and thermal entropy determines two different ways to perform this sum in the limits of small and large interval. Both answers are modular covariant, rather than invariant. Our results are compared with those for a free boson at unit radius in the two limits and complete agreement is found, supporting the view that entanglement respects Bose-Fermi duality. We extend our computations to multiple free Dirac fermions having correlated spin structures, dual to free bosons on the Spin(2d) weight lattice.

hep-th↗

arXiv2012

Multiple Membranes in M-theory

We review developments in the theory of multiple, parallel membranes in M-theory. After discussing the inherent difficulties pertaining to a maximally supersymmetric lagrangian formulation with the appropriate field content and symmetries, we discuss how introducing the concept of 3-algebras allows for such a description. Different choices of 3-algebras lead to distinct classes of 2+1 dimensional theories with varying degrees of supersymmetry. We then describe how these are equivalent to a type of conventional superconformal Chern-Simons gauge theories at level k, coupled to bifundamental matter. Analysing the physical properties of these theories leads to the identification of a certain subclass of models with configurations of M2-branes in Z_k orbifolds of M-theory. In addition these models give rise to a whole new sector of the gauge/gravity duality in the form of an AdS_4/CFT_3 correspondence. We also discuss mass deformations, higher derivative corrections as well as the possibility of extracting information about M5-brane physics.

hep-th↗

arXiv2011

String theory: a perspective over the last 25 years

This article provides some historical background and then reviews developments in string theory over the last twenty-five years or so. Both perturbative and non-perturbative approaches to string theory are surveyed and their impact on how we view quantum gravity is analysed.

physics.pop-ph↗

arXiv2011

Unravelling the novel Higgs mechanism in (2+1)d Chern-Simons theories

Chern-Simons gauge theories in 2+1 dimensions with multiple gauge fields exhibit novel properties that are analysed here in some detail. A striking feature is the possibility of a non-propagating Chern-Simons field acquiring a massless propagating mode via a Higgs mechanism. This novel Higgs mechanism, originally discovered in the context of M-theory, is studied here without reference to M-theory or supersymmetry. It is revealed as a variant of topological mass generation and shown to arise only when Chern-Simons and mass matrices are not simultaneously diagonalisable. Sufficient conditions are found for it to occur. It is speculated that some analogue of the NHM could occur in theories of condensed-matter systems similar to those exhibiting the fractional quantum Hall effect, as well as in 2+1 dimensional gravity.

hep-th↗

arXiv2009

Developments in high energy theory

This non-technical review article is aimed at readers with some physics background, including beginning research students. It provides a panoramic view of the main theoretical developments in high energy physics since its inception more than half a century ago, a period in which experiments have spanned an enormous range of energies, theories have been developed leading up to the Standard Model, and proposals -- including the radical paradigm of String Theory -- have been made to go beyond the Standard Model. The list of references provided here is not intended to properly credit all original work but rather to supply the reader with a few pointers to the literature, specifically highlighting work done by Indian authors.

physics.pop-ph↗

arXiv2009

The Power of the Higgs Mechanism: Higher-Derivative BLG Theories

We use the novel Higgs mechanism of arXiv:0803.3218 to determine the leading higher-derivative corrections to the Euclidean N = 8 Bagger-Lambert-Gustavsson field theory. The result matches that previously found for Lorentzian 3-algebras, pointing to a universal answer for all maximally supersymmetric 3-algebra theories. We also comment on the extension to the lower-supersymmetric case of ABJM theory.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

Kinematical Analogy for Marginal Dyon Decay

We describe a kinematical analogy for the marginal decay of 1/4-BPS dyons in 4-dimensional N=4 string compactifications. In this analogy, the electric and magnetic charges play the role of spatial momenta, the BPS mass plays the role of energy, and 1/2-BPS dyons correspond to massless particles. Using SO(12,1) "Lorentz" invariance and standard kinematical formulae in particle physics, we provide simple derivations of the curves of marginal stability. We also show how these curves map into the momentum ellipsoid, and propose some applications of this analogy.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

Constraints on "rare" dyon decays

We obtain the complete set of constraints on the moduli of N=4 superstring compactifications that permit "rare" marginal decays of 1/4-BPS dyons to take place. The constraints are analysed in some special cases. The analysis extends in a straightforward way to multi-particle decays. We discuss the possible relation between general multi-particle decays and multi-centred black holes.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

Higher-derivative 3-algebras

Starting with the N=8 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory on D2-branes and incorporating higher-derivative corrections to lowest nontrivial order, we perform a duality to derive the Lorentzian 3-algebra theory along with a set of derivative corrections. We find that these corrections can be expressed entirely in terms of intrinsic 3-algebra quantities: the 3-bracket and covariant derivatives. Our analysis is performed for both bosonic and fermionic terms. We conjecture that the derivative corrections we obtain are relevant for Euclidean 3-algebra theories as well.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

D2 to D2

Starting from maximally supersymmetric (2+1)d Yang-Mills theory and using a duality transformation due to de Wit, Nicolai and Samtleben, we obtain the ghost-free Lorentzian 3-algebra theory that has recently been proposed to describe M2-branes. Our derivation does not invoke any properties of 3-algebras. Being derivable from SYM, the final theory is manifestly equivalent to it on-shell and should not be thought of as the IR limit that describes M2-branes, though it does have enhanced R-symmetry as well as superconformal symmetry off-shell.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

M2-branes on M-folds

We argue that the moduli space for the Bagger-Lambert A_4 theory at level k is (R^8 \times R^8)/D_{2k}, where D_{2k} is the dihedral group of order 4k. We conjecture that the theory describes two M2-branes on a Z_{2k} ``M-fold'', in which a geometrical action of Z_{2k} is combined with an action on the branes. For k=1, this arises as the strong coupling limit of two D2-branes on an O2^- orientifold, whose worldvolume theory is the maximally supersymmetric SO(4) gauge theory. Finally, in an appropriate large-k limit we show that one recovers compactified M-theory and the M2-branes reduce to D2-branes.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

M2 to D2

We examine the recently proposed "3-algebra" field theory for multiple M2-branes and show that when a scalar field valued in the 3-algebra develops a vacuum expectation value, the resulting Higgs mechanism has the novel effect of promoting topological (Chern-Simons) to dynamical (Yang-Mills) gauge fields. This leads to a precise derivation of the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory on multiple D2-branes and thereby provides a relationship between 3-algebras and Yang-Mills theories. We discuss the physical interpretation of this result.

hep-th↗