Abstract

We investigate several aspects of BPS latitude Wilson loops in gauge theories in three dimensions with mathcal{N} ≥ 4 supersymmetry. We derive a matrix model for the bosonic latitude Wilson loop in ABJM using supersymmetric localization, and show how to extend the computation to more general Chern-Simons-matter theories. We then define latitude type Wilson and vortex loop operators in theories without Chern-Simons terms, and explore a connection to the recently derived superalgebra defining local Higgs and Coulomb branch operators in these theories. Finally, we identify a BPS loop operator dual to the bosonic latitude Wilson loop which is a novel bound state of Wilson and vortex loops, defined using a worldvolume supersymmetric quantum mechanics.

Highlights

  • Extended operators or defects, those supported on sub-manifolds of positive dimension, play a central role in the study of gauge theory

  • We describe a class of Wilson loops in U(N1)k × U(N2)−k ABJM theory that preserve a certain fraction of the original N = 6 supersymmetry

  • We have examined several aspects of latitude Wilson loops in the ABJM model: a family of BPS loop operators parameterized by a real number ν

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Those supported on sub-manifolds of positive dimension, play a central role in the study of gauge theory. We find an interesting relationship between the superalgebra preserved by latitude loops, in an appropriate limit, and that which governs Higgs and Coulomb branch operators, and the associated topological quantum mechanics, of standard N ≥ 4 theories These local operators were introduced in [21] and subsequently studied in [22,23,24]. We show that the matrix model obtained from considering this operator, ostensibly quite different, computes the same expectation value as the one which we derive for the latitude loop in ABJM. We identify the loop operator dual to the ABJM latitude and use supersymmetric localization to derive a matrix model for its expectation value.

The ABJM model and the latitude loop
The latitude algebra
Gaiotto-Witten theories
Off-shell closure for GW theories
The latitude matrix model
The ABJM latitude loop on the three sphere
A gauge transformation given by the gauge parameters
Localization in the ABJM model
Off-shell closure
The matrix model
Relationship to topological quantum mechanics
Supersymmetric quantum mechanics
Localization in a dual theory
The localizing term
A UV avatar for the latitude
Latitude loops from SQM
Conclusion
ABJM supersymmetry conventions
AμAν Aρ
Closure of the supersymmetry algebra
Off-shell closure for hypermultiplets
Euclidean spinor conventions
Flat space spinor algebra
Geometry of S3
Change of coordinates from flat space
C Details on the SQM

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.