arXiv subjects

Troels Harmark

Publications and source records attributed to Troels Harmark.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Torsional string Newton-Cartan geometry for non-relativistic strings

We revisit the formulation of non-relativistic (NR) string theory and its target space geometry. We obtain a new formulation in which the geometry contains a two-form field that couples to the tension current and that transforms under string Galilei boosts. This parallels the Newton-Cartan one-form that couples to the mass current of a non-relativistic point particle. We show how this formulation of the NR string arises both from an infinite speed of light limit and a null reduction of the relativistic closed bosonic string. In both cases, the two-form originates from a combination of metric quantities and the Kalb-Ramond field. The target space geometry of the NR string is seen to arise from the gauging of a new algebra that is obtained by an Inonu-Wigner contraction of the Poincaré algebra extended by the symmetries of the Kalb-Ramond field. In this new formulation, there are no superfluous target space fields that can be removed by fixing a Stückelberg symmetry. Classically, there are no foliation/torsion constraints imposed on the target space geometry.

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arXiv2021

Symmetry structure of the interactions in near-BPS corners of $ \mathcal{N} = 4$ super-Yang-Mills

We consider limits of $\mathcal{N} = 4$ super-Yang-Mills (SYM) theory that approach BPS bounds. These limits result in non-relativistic near-BPS theories that describe the effective dynamics near the BPS bounds and upon quantization are known as Spin Matrix theories. The near-BPS theories can be obtained by reducing $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM on a three-sphere and integrating out the fields that become non-dynamical in the limits. We perform the sphere reduction for the near-BPS limit with $\mathrm{SU}(1,2|2)$ symmetry, which has several new features compared to the previously considered cases with $\mathrm{SU}(1,1)$ symmetry, including a dynamical gauge field. We discover a new structure in the classical limit of the interaction term. We show that the interaction term is built from certain blocks that comprise an irreducible representation of the $\mathrm{SU}(1,2|2)$ algebra. Moreover, the full interaction term can be interpreted as a norm in the linear space of this representation, explaining its features including the positive definiteness. This means one can think of the interaction term as a distance squared from saturating the BPS bound. The $\mathrm{SU}(1,1|1)$ near-BPS theory, and its subcases, is seen to inherit these features. These observations point to a way to solve the strong coupling dynamics of these near-BPS theories.

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arXiv2020

Nonrelativistic near-BPS corners of $\mathcal{N}=4$ super-Yang-Mills with $SU(1,1)$ symmetry

We consider limits of $\mathcal{N}=4$ super Yang-Mills (SYM) theory that approach BPS bounds and for which an $SU(1,1)$ structure is preserved. The resulting near-BPS theories become non-relativistic, with a $U(1)$ symmetry emerging in the limit that implies the conservation of particle number. They are obtained by reducing $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM on a three-sphere and subsequently integrating out fields that become non-dynamical as the bounds are approached. Upon quantization, and taking into account normal-ordering, they are consistent with taking the appropriate limits of the dilatation operator directly, thereby corresponding to Spin Matrix theories, found previously in the literature. In the particular case of the $SU(1,1|1)$ near-BPS/Spin Matrix theory, we find a superfield formulation that applies to the full interacting theory. Moreover, for all the theories we find tantalizingly simple semi-local formulations as theories living on a circle. Finally, we find positive-definite expressions for the interactions in the classical limit for all the theories, which can be used to explore their strong coupling limits. This paper will have a companion paper in which we explore BPS bounds for which a $SU(2,1)$ structure is preserved.

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arXiv2020

Spin Matrix Theory String Backgrounds and Penrose Limits of AdS/CFT

Spin Matrix theory (SMT) limits provide a way to capture the dynamics of the AdS/CFT correspondence near BPS bounds. On the string theory side, these limits result in non-relativistic sigma models that can be interpreted as novel non-relativistic strings. This SMT string theory couples to non-relativistic $U(1)$-Galilean background geometries. In this paper, we explore the relation between pp-wave backgrounds obtained from Penrose limits of AdS${}_5 \times S^5$, and a new type of $U(1)$-Galilean backgrounds that we call flat-fluxed (FF) backgrounds. These FF backgrounds are the simplest possible SMT string backgrounds and correspond to free magnons from the spin chain perspective. We provide a catalogue of the $U(1)$-Galilean backgrounds one obtains from SMT limits of string theory on AdS${}_5 \times S^5$ and subsequently study large charge limits of these geometries from which the FF backgrounds emerge. We show that these limits are analogous to Penrose limits of AdS${}_5 \times S^5$ and demonstrate that the large charge/Penrose limits commute with the SMT limits. Finally, we point out that $U(1)$-Galilean backgrounds prescribe a symplectic manifold for the transverse SMT string embedding fields. This is illustrated with a Hamiltonian derivation for the SMT limit of a particle.

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arXiv2020

Fixing the non-relativistic expansion of the 1PM potential

We obtain a first order post-Minkowskian two-body effective potential whose post-Newtonian expansion directly reproduces the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann potential. Post-Minkowskian potentials can be extracted from on-shell scattering amplitudes in a quantum field theory of scalar matter coupled to gravity. Previously, such potentials did not reproduce the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann potential without employing a suitable canonical transformation. In this work, we resolve this issue by obtaining a new expression for the first-order post-Minkowskian potential. This is accomplished by exploiting the reference frame dependence that arises in the scattering amplitude computation. Finally, as a check on our result, we demonstrate that our new potential gives the correct scattering angle.

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arXiv2020

Nonrelativistic Corners of ${\cal N} = 4$ Supersymmetric Yang--Mills Theory

We show that ${\cal N} = 4$ supersymmetric-Yang-Mills (SYM) theory on $\mathbb{R} \times S^3$ with gauge group $\text{SU}(N)$ is described in a near-BPS limit by a simple lower-dimensional nonrelativistic field theory with $\text{SU}(1,1) \times \text{U}(1)$ invariant interactions. In this limit, a single complex adjoint scalar field survives, and part of its interaction is obtained by exactly integrating out the gauge boson of the SYM theory. Taking into account normal ordering, the interactions match the one-loop dilatation operator of the $\text{SU}(1,1)$ sector, establishing the consistency of the limit at the quantum level. We discover a tantalizing field-theoretic structure, corresponding to a $(1+1)$-dimensional complex chiral boson on a circle coupled to a nondynamical gauge field, both in the adjoint representation of $\text{SU}(N)$. The successful construction of a lower-dimensional nonrelativistic field theory in the $\text{SU}(1,1)$ near-BPS limit provides a proof of concept for other BPS bounds. These are expected to lead to richer field theories in nonrelativistic corners of ${\cal N} = 4$ SYM that include fermions, gauge fields and supersymmetry and can provide a novel path towards understanding strongly coupled finite-$N$ dynamics of gauge theories.

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arXiv2020

Force-free electrodynamics near rotation axis of a Kerr black hole

Despite their potential importance for understanding astrophysical jets, physically realistic exact solutions for magnetospheres around Kerr black holes have not been found, even in the force-free approximation. Instead approximate analytical solutions such as the Blandford-Znajek (split-)monopole, as well as numerical solutions, have been constructed. In this paper we consider a new approach to the analysis and construction of such magnetospheres. We consider force-free electrodynamics close to the rotation axis of a magnetosphere surrounding a Kerr black hole assuming axisymmetry. This is the region where the force-free approximation should work the best, and where the jets are located. We perform a systematic study of the asymptotic region with (split-)monopole, paraboloidal and vertical asymptotic behaviors. Imposing asymptotics similar to a (split-)monopole, we find under certain assumptions that demanding regularity at the rotation axis and the event horizon restricts solutions of the stream equation so much that it is not possible for a solution to be continuously connected to the static (split-)monopole around the Schwarzschild black hole in the limit where the rotation goes to zero. On the one hand, this result provides independent evidence to the issues discovered with the asymptotics of the Blandford-Znajek (split-)monopole in Ref. [1]. On the other hand, we also point out possible caveats in our arguments that one could conceivably exploit to amend the perturbative construction of the Blandford-Znajek (split-)monopole.

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arXiv2019

Relating non-relativistic string theories

Non-relativistic string theories promise to provide simpler theories of quantum gravity as well as tractable limits of the AdS/CFT correspondence. However, several apparently distinct non-relativistic string theories have been constructed. In particular, one approach is to reduce a relativistic string along a null isometry in target space. Another method is to perform an appropriate large speed of light expansion of a relativistic string. Both of the resulting non-relativistic string theories only have a well-defined spectrum if they have nonzero winding along a longitudinal spatial direction. In the presence of a Kalb--Ramond field, we show that these theories are equivalent provided the latter direction is an isometry. Finally, we consider a further limit of non-relativistic string theory that has proven useful in the context of AdS/CFT (related to Spin Matrix Theory). In that case, the worldsheet theory itself becomes non-relativistic and the dilaton coupling vanishes.

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arXiv2019

Strings with Non-Relativistic Conformal Symmetry and Limits of the AdS/CFT Correspondence

We find a Polyakov-type action for strings moving in a torsional Newton-Cartan geometry. This is obtained by starting with the relativistic Polyakov action and fixing the momentum of the string along a non-compact null isometry. For a flat target space, we show that the world-sheet theory becomes the Gomis-Ooguri action. From a target space perspective these strings are non-relativistic but their world-sheet theories are still relativistic. We show that one can take a scaling limit in which also the world-sheet theory becomes non-relativistic with an infinite-dimensional symmetry algebra given by the Galilean conformal algebra. This scaling limit can be taken in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence and we show that it is realized by the `Spin Matrix Theory' limits of strings on AdS$_5$ $\times$ $S^5$. Spin Matrix theory arises as non-relativistic limits of the AdS/CFT correspondence close to BPS bounds. The duality between non-relativistic strings and Spin Matrix theory provides a holographic duality of its own and points towards a framework for more tractable holographic dualities whereby non-relativistic strings are dual to near BPS limits of the dual field theory.

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arXiv2018

On the existence of the Blandford-Znajek monopole for a slowly rotating Kerr black hole

The Blandford-Znajek monopole is a conjectured solution of force-free electrodynamics in the vicinity of a slowly rotating Kerr black hole, supposedly defined as a perturbation in small angular momentum. It is used to argue for the extraction of energy from rotating black holes by the Blandford-Znajek process. We set up a careful analysis of the perturbative definition of the Blandford-Znajek monopole, showing in particular that the regime in which it is defined allows to use the technique of matched asymptotic expansions. Our conclusion is that the Blandford-Znajek monopole, as it is defined, is not consistent with demanding physically reasonable boundary conditions far away from the event horizon. This puts into question the existence of the Blandford-Znajek monopole, at least in the limit of slow rotation of the Kerr black hole.

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arXiv2018

The Hagedorn temperature of AdS5/CFT4 via integrability

We establish a framework for calculating the Hagedorn temperature of AdS5/CFT4 via integrability. Concretely, we derive the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz equations that yield the Hagedorn temperature of planar N=4 super Yang-Mills theory at any value of the 't Hooft coupling. We solve these equations perturbatively at weak coupling via the associated Y-system, confirming the known results at tree-level and one-loop order as well as deriving the previously unknown two-loop Hagedorn temperature. Finally, we comment on solving the equations at finite coupling.

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arXiv2018

Extremal Black Hole Horizons

Using the blackfold effective theory applied to extremal Kerr branes we provide evidence for the existence of new stationary extremal black hole solutions in asymptotically flat spacetime with both single and multiple disconnected horizons. These include extremal doubly-spinning black rings, black saturns, di-rings and bi-rings in five spacetime dimensions as well as extremal Myers-Perry black holes and black saturns in dimensions greater than five. Some of these constructions constitute the first examples of black hole solutions with extremal disconnected horizons in vacuum Einstein gravity.

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arXiv2017

The Flowing BIon

In this paper we use the effective blackfold description of branes to extend the study of the thermal BIon, a D-brane and parallel anti-D-brane connected by a wormhole with F-string charge in hot flat space, by introducing a radial boost along the brane. The boosted system behaves qualitatively differently from both the extremal and the thermal BIon considered previously. Interestingly, we are able to formulate a first law of thermodynamics for the system as a whole, despite the fact that it is not a stationary blackfold. In particular, the global temperature is given by the rest frame temperature times the gamma factor of special relativity which is the inverse transformation compared to the case of stationary blackfolds. In addition we define two new kinds of thermodynamic conjugate variables, the energy flux $W$ and the integrated velocity on the brane. We find that a phase transition occurs by varying the energy flux $W$. Below a critical value of $W$ the brane separation $Δ$ changes only slightly with $W$. Instead above the critical value $Δ$ grows exponentially.

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arXiv2017

Non-Relativistic Strings and Limits of the AdS/CFT Correspondence

Using target space null reduction of the Polyakov action we find a novel covariant action for strings moving in a torsional Newton-Cartan geometry. Sending the string tension to zero while rescaling the Newton-Cartan clock 1-form, so as to keep the string action finite, we obtain a non-relativistic string moving in a new type of non-Lorentzian geometry that we call $U(1)$-Galilean geometry. We apply this to strings on $AdS_5 \times S^5$ for which we show that the zero tension limit is realized by the Spin Matrix theory limits of the AdS/CFT correspondence. This is closely related to limits of spin chains studied in connection to integrability in AdS/CFT. The simplest example gives a covariant version of the Landau-Lifshitz sigma-model.

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arXiv2016

The Born-Infeld/Gravity Correspondence

In this paper we explore the correspondence between four-dimensional Born-Infeld theory and five-dimensional classical gravity. The Born-Infeld theory side corresponds to the low energy effective theory for open strings ending on coincident D3-branes in a (slowly varying) background Kalb-Ramond field, including all higher-derivative corrections. On the gravity side one has the gravitational (closed string) description of D3-branes in the same background Kalb-Ramond field and the correspondence is thus a consequence of the open/closed string duality. According to the correspondence the gravity side provides a description of the strong coupling limit of Born-Infeld theory. This is a correspondence between effective theories in a similar sense as in the fluid/gravity correspondence. We match the Born-Infeld and gravity sides up to, and including, two-derivative corrections. To this end, we find a new gravity solution for D3-branes with flat embedding in the background of an arbitrary constant background Kalb-Ramond field and show that there are no two-derivative corrections to this for a slowly varying Kalb-Ramond field.

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arXiv2016

Interacting Giant Gravitons from Spin Matrix Theory

Using the non-abelian DBI action we find an effective matrix model that describes the dynamics of weakly interacting giant gravitons wrapped on three-spheres in the AdS part of AdS_5 x S^5 at high energies with two angular momenta on the S^5. In parallel we consider the limit of \CN=4 super Yang-Mills theory near a certain unitarity bound where it reduces to the quantum mechanical theory called SU(2) Spin Matrix Theory. We show that the exact same matrix model that describes the giant gravitons on the string theory side also provides the effective description in the strong coupling and large energy limit of the Spin Matrix Theory. Thus, we are able to match non-supersymmetric dynamics of D-branes on AdS_5 x S^5 to a finite-N regime in \CN=4 super Yang-Mills theory near a unitarity bound.

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arXiv2014

Black Holes and Biophysical (Mem)-branes

We argue that the effective theory describing the long-wavelength dynamics of black branes is the same effective theory that describes the dynamics of biophysical membranes. We improve the phase structure of higher-dimensional black rings by considering finite thickness corrections in this effective theory, showing a striking agreement between our analytical results and recent numerical constructions while simultaneously drawing a parallel between gravity and the effective theory of biophysical membranes.

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arXiv2014

Spin Matrix Theory: A quantum mechanical model of the AdS/CFT correspondence

We introduce a new quantum mechanical theory called Spin Matrix theory (SMT). The theory is interacting with a single coupling constant g and is based on a Hilbert space of harmonic oscillators with a spin index taking values in a Lie (super)algebra representation as well as matrix indices for the adjoint representation of U(N). We show that SMT describes N=4 super-Yang-Mills theory (SYM) near zero-temperature critical points in the grand canonical phase diagram. Equivalently, SMT arises from non-relativistic limits of N=4 SYM. Even though SMT is a non-relativistic quantum mechanical theory it contains a variety of phases mimicking the AdS/CFT correspondence. Moreover, the infinite g limit of SMT can be mapped to the supersymmetric sector of string theory on AdS_5 x S^5. We study SU(2) SMT in detail. At large N and low temperatures it is a theory of spin chains that for small g resembles planar gauge theory and for large g a non-relativistic string theory. When raising the temperature a partial deconfinement transition occurs due to finite-N effects. For sufficiently high temperatures the partially deconfined phase has a classical regime. We find a matrix model description of this regime at any coupling g. Setting g=0 it is a theory of N^2+1 harmonic oscillators while for large g it becomes 2N harmonic oscillators.

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