Non-Lorentzian Kač-Moody algebras

Abstract

We investigate two dimensional (2d) quantum field theories which exhibit Non-Lorentzian Kač-Moody (NLKM) algebras as their underlying symmetry. Our investigations encompass both 2d Galilean (speed of light c → ∞) and Carrollian (c → 0) CFTs with additional number of infinite non-Abelian currents, stemming from an isomorphism between the two algebras. We alternate between an intrinsic and a limiting analysis. Our NLKM algebra is constructed first through a contraction and then derived from an intrinsically Carrollian perspective. We then go on to use the symmetries to derive a Non-Lorentzian (NL) Sugawara construction and ultimately write down the NL equivalent of the Knizhnik Zamolodchikov equations. All of these are also derived from contractions, thus providing a robust cross-check of our analyses.