Conformal Bootstrap Program Research Articles

Positivity, low twist dominance and CSDR for CFTs

We consider a crossing symmetric dispersion relation (CSDR) for CFT four point correlation with identical scalar operators, which is manifestly symmetric under the cross-ratios u,vu,v interchange. This representation has several features in common with the CSDR for quantum field theories. It enables a study of the expansion of the correlation function around u=v=1/4u=v=1/4, which is used in the numerical conformal bootstrap program. We elucidate several remarkable features of the dispersive representation using the four point correlation function of \Phi_{1,2}Φ1,2 operators in 2d minimal models as a test-bed. When the dimension of the external scalar operator (\Delta_\sigmaΔσ) is less than \frac{1}{2}12, the CSDR gets contribution from only a single tower of global primary operators with the second tower being projected out. We find that there is a notion of low twist dominance (LTD) which, as a function of \Delta_\sigmaΔσ, is maximized near the 2d Ising model as well as the non-unitary Yang-Lee model. The CSDR and LTD further explain positivity of the Taylor expansion coefficients of the correlation function around the crossing symmetric point and lead to universal predictions for specific ratios of these coefficients. These results carry over to the epsilon expansion in 4-\epsilon4−ϵ dimensions. We also conduct a preliminary investigation of geometric function theory ideas, namely the Bieberbach-Rogosinski bounds.

AdS/BCFT from conformal bootstrap: construction of gravity with branes and particles

We initiate a conformal bootstrap program to study AdS3/BCFT2 with heavy excitations. We start by solving the bootstrap equations associated with two-point functions of scalar/non-scalar primaries under the assumption that one-point functions vanish. These correspond to gravity with a brane and a non-spinning/spinning particle where the brane and the particle do not intersect with each other. From the bootstrap equations, we obtain the energy spectrum and the modified black hole threshold. We then carefully analyze the gravity duals and find the results perfectly match the BCFT analysis. In particular, brane self-intersections, which are usually considered to be problematic, are nicely avoided by the black hole formation. Despite the assumption to solve the bootstrap equations, one-point functions of scalar primaries can be non-zero in general. We construct the holographic dual for a non-vanishing one-point function, in which the heavy particle can end on the brane, by holographically computing the Rényi entropy in AdS/BCFT. As a bonus, we find a refined formula for the holographic Rényi entropy, which appears to be crucial to correctly reproduce the boundary entropy term. On the other hand, we explain why one-point functions of non-scalar primaries always vanish from the gravity dual. The non-sensitivity of the solution for the bootstrap equation to the boundary entropy helps us to construct gravity duals with negative tension branes. We also find a holographic dual of boundary primaries.

A 3d disordered superconformal fixed point

We initiate the study of a three dimensional disordered supersymmetric field theory. Specifically, we consider a mathcal{N} = 2 large N Wess-Zumino like model with cubic superpotential involving couplings drawn from a Gaussian random ensemble. Taking inspiration from analyses of lower dimensional SYK like models we demonstrate that the theory flows to a strongly coupled superconformal fixed point in the infra-red. In particular, we obtain leading large N spectral data and operator product coefficients at the critical point. Moreover, the analytic control accorded by the model allows us to compare our results against those derived in the conformal bootstrap program and demonstrate consistency with general expectations.

Searching for gauge theories with the conformal bootstrap

Infrared fixed points of gauge theories provide intriguing targets for the modern conformal bootstrap program. In this work we provide some preliminary evidence that a family of gauged fermionic CFTs saturate bootstrap bounds and can potentially be solved with the conformal bootstrap. We start by considering the bootstrap for SO(N) vector 4-point functions in general dimension D. In the large N limit, upper bounds on the scaling dimensions of the lowest SO(N) singlet and traceless symmetric scalars interpolate between two solutions at ∆ = D/2 − 1 and ∆ = D − 1 via generalized free field theory. In 3D the critical O(N) vector models are known to saturate the bootstrap bounds and correspond to the kinks approaching ∆ = 1/2 at large N. We show that the bootstrap bounds also admit another infinite family of kinks {mathcal{T}}_D , which at large N approach solutions containing free fermion bilinears at ∆ = D − 1 from below. The kinks {mathcal{T}}_D appear in general dimensions with a D-dependent critical N* below which the kink disappears. We also study relations between the bounds obtained from the bootstrap with SO(N) vectors, SU(N) fundamentals, and SU(N) × SU(N) bi-fundamentals. We provide a proof for the coincidence between bootstrap bounds with different global symmetries. We show evidence that the proper symmetries of the underlying theories of {mathcal{T}}_D are subgroups of SO(N), and we speculate that the kinks {mathcal{T}}_D relate to the fixed points of gauge theories coupled to fermions.

Monte Carlo study of the critical properties of noncollinear Heisenberg magnets: O(3)×O(2) universality class

The critical properties of the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model on the three-dimensional stacked-triangular lattice are studied by means of a large-scale Monte Carlo simulation in order to get insight into the controversial issue of the criticality of the noncollinear magnets with the $O(3)\times O(2)$ symmetry. The maximum size studied is $384^3$, considerably larger than the sizes studied by the previous numerical works on the model. Availability of such large-size data enables us to examine the detailed critical properties including the effect of corrections to the leading scaling. Strong numerical evidence of the continuous nature of the transition is obtained. Our data indicates the existence of significant corrections to the leading scaling. Careful analysis by taking account of the possible corrections yield critical exponents estimates, $\alpha=0.44(3)$, $\beta=0.26(2)$, $\gamma=1.03(5)$, $\nu=0.52(1)$, $\eta=0.02(5)$, and the chirality exponents $\beta_\kappa=0.40(3)$ and $\gamma_\kappa=0.77(6)$, supporting the existence of the $O(3)$ chiral (or $O(3)\times O(2)$) universality class governed by a new `chiral' fixed point. We also obtain an indication that the underlying fixed point is of the focus-type, characterized by the complex-valued correction-to-scaling exponent, $\omega=0.1^{+0.4}_{-0.05} + i\ 0.7^{+0.1}_{-0.4}$. The focus-like nature of the chiral fixed point accompanied by the spiral-like renormalization-group (RG) flow is likely to be the origin of the apparently complicated critical behavior. The results are compared and discussed in conjunction with the results of other numerical simulations, several distinct types of RG calculations including the higher-order perturbative massive and massless RG calculations and the nonperturbative functional RG calculation, and the conformal-bootstrap program.

Recursion relation for general 3d blocks

We derive closed-form expressions for all ingredients of the Zamolodchikov-like recursion relation for general spinning conformal blocks in 3-dimensional conformal field theory. This result opens a path to efficient automatic generation of conformal block tables, which has immediate applications in numerical conformal bootstrap program. Our derivation is based on an understanding of null states and conformally-invariant differential operators in momentum space, combined with a careful choice of the relevant tensor structures bases. This derivation generalizes straightforwardly to higher spacetime dimensions d, provided the relevant Clebsch-Gordan coefficients of Spin (d) are known.

Cosmology as a CFT1

We show that the simplest FLRW cosmological system consisting in the homo- geneous and isotropic massless Einstein-Scalar system enjoys a hidden conformal symmetry under the 1D conformal group SL(2, ℝ) acting as Mobius transformations in proper time. This invariance is made explicit through the mapping of FLRW cosmology onto conformal mechanics. On the one hand, we identify the corresponding conformal Noether charges, as combinations of the Hamiltonian scalar constraint, the extrinsic curvature and the 3D volume, which form a closed \U0001d530\U0001d529 (2, ℝ) Lie algebra. On the other hand, this approach allows to write FLRW cosmology in terms of a AdS2 phase space and a Schwarzian action. Preserving this conformal structure at the quantum level fixes the ordering ambiguities in the Wheeler-de Witt quantization and allows to formulate FLRW quantum cosmology as a CFT1. We show that the CFT two-points correlator is realized as the overlap of the evolution in proper time of cosmological coherent wave-packets. In particular, the two-points function is built from a vacuum state which, although not conformally invariant, coincides with the cosmological vacuum annihilated by the scalar constraint. These results suggest new perspectives in classical and quantum cosmology, among which the possibility to apply the conformal bootstrap program to quantize cosmological backgrounds.

The conformal bootstrap at finite temperature

We initiate an approach to constraining conformal field theory (CFT) data at finite temperature using methods inspired by the conformal bootstrap for vacuum correlation functions. We focus on thermal one- and two-point functions of local operators on the plane. The KMS condition for thermal two-point functions is cast as a crossing equation. By studying the analyticity properties of thermal two-point functions, we derive a “thermal inversion formula” whose output is the set of thermal one-point functions for all operators appearing in a given OPE. This involves identifying a kinematic regime which is the analog of the Regge regime for four-point functions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the inversion formula by recovering the spectrum and thermal one-point functions in mean field theory, and computing thermal one-point functions for all higher-spin currents in the critical O(N) model at leading order in 1/N. Furthermore, we develop a systematic perturbation theory for thermal data in the large spin, low-twist spectrum of any CFT. We explain how the inversion formula and KMS condition may be combined to algorithmically constrain CFTs at finite temperature. Throughout, we draw analogies to the bootstrap for vacuum four-point functions. Finally, we discuss future directions for the thermal conformal bootstrap program, emphasizing applications to various types of CFTs, including those with holographic duals.

Integrability of conformal blocks. Part I. Calogero-Sutherland scattering theory

Conformal blocks are the central ingredient of the conformal bootstrap programme. We elaborate on our recent observation that uncovered a relation with wave functions of an integrable Calogero-Sutherland Hamiltonian in order to develop a systematic theory of conformal blocks. Our main goal here is to review central ingredients of the Heckman-Opdam theory for scattering states of Calogero-Sutherland models with special emphasis to the relation with scalar 4-point blocks. We will also discuss a number of direct consequences for conformal blocks, including a new series expansion for blocks of arbitrary complex spin and a complete analysis of their poles and residues. Applications to the Froissart-Gribov formula for conformal field theory, as well as extensions to spinning blocks and defects are briefly discussed before we conclude with an outlook on forthcoming work concerning algebraic consequences of integrability.

Inverse bootstrapping conformal field theories

We propose a novel approach to study conformal field theories (CFTs) in general dimensions. In the conformal bootstrap program, one usually searches for consistent CFT data that satisfy crossing symmetry. In the new method, we reverse the logic and interpret manifestly crossing-symmetric functions as generating functions of conformal data. Physical CFTs can be obtained by scanning the space of crossing-symmetric functions. By truncating the fusion rules, we are able to concentrate on the low-lying operators and derive some approximate relations for their conformal data. It turns out that the free scalar theory, the 2d minimal model CFTs, the ϕ4 Wilson-Fisher CFT, the Lee-Yang CFTs and the Ising CFTs are consistent with the universal relations from the minimal fusion rule ϕ1 × ϕ1 = I + ϕ2 + T , where ϕ1, ϕ2 are scalar operators, I is the identity operator and T is the stress tensor.

More N=4 superconformal bootstrap

In this long overdue second installment, we continue to develop the conformal bootstrap program for ${\mathcal N}=4$ superconformal field theories in four dimensions via an analysis of the correlation function of four stress-tensor supermultiplets. We review analytic results for this correlator and make contact with the SCFT/chiral algebra correspondence of arXiv:1312.5344. We demonstrate that the constraints of unitarity and crossing symmetry require the central charge $c$ to be greater than or equal to $3/4$ in any interacting ${\mathcal N}=4$ SCFT. We apply numerical bootstrap methods to derive upper bounds on scaling dimensions and OPE coefficients for several low-lying, unprotected operators as a function of the central charge. We interpret our bounds in the context of ${\mathcal N}=4$ super Yang-Mills (SYM) theories, formulating a series of conjectures regarding the embedding of the conformal manifold --- parametrized by the complexified gauge coupling --- into the space of scaling dimensions and OPE coefficients. Our conjectures assign a distinguished role to points on the conformal manifold that are self-dual under a subgroup of the S-duality group. This paper contains a more detailed exposition of a number of results previously reported in arXiv:1304.1803 in addition to new results.

Cut-touching linear functionals in the conformal bootstrap

The modern conformal bootstrap program often employs the method of linear functionals to derive the numerical or analytical bounds on the CFT data. These functionals must have a crucial “swapping” property, allowing to swap infinite summation with the action of the functional in the conformal bootstrap sum rule. Swapping is easy to justify for the popular functionals involving finite sums of derivatives. However, it is far from obvious for “cut-touching” functionals, involving integration over regions where conformal block decomposition does not converge uniformly. Functionals of this type were recently considered by Mazáč in his work on analytic derivation of optimal bootstrap bounds. We derive general swapping criteria for the cut-touching functionals, and check in a few explicit examples that Mazáč’s functionals pass our criteria.

Bootstrapping mixed correlators in the five dimensional critical O(N) models

We use the conformal bootstrap approach to explore 5D CFTs with O(N) global symmetry, which contain N scalars ϕi transforming as O(N) vector. Specifically, we study multiple four-point correlators of the leading O(N) vector ϕi and the O(N) singlet σ. The crossing symmetry of the four-point functions and the unitarity condition provide nontrivial constraints on the scaling dimensions (Δϕ, Δσ) of ϕi and σ. With reasonable assumptions on the gaps between scaling dimensions of ϕi (σ) and the next O(N) vector ϕi′ (singlet σ′) scalar, we are able to isolate the scaling dimensions (Δϕ, Δσ) in small islands. In particular, for large N = 500, the isolated region is highly consistent with the result obtained from large N expansion. We also study the interacting O(N) CFTs for 1≤N ≤100. Isolated regions on (Δϕ, Δσ) plane are obtained using conformal bootstrap program with lower order of derivatives Λ; however, they disappear after increasing Λ. For N = 100, no solution can be found with Λ = 25 under the assumptions on the scaling dimensions of next O(N) vector {varDelta}_{phi_i^{prime }}ge 5.0 (singlet Δσ′ ≥ 3.3). These islands are expected to be corresponding to interacting but nonunitary O(N) CFTs. Our results suggest a lower bound on the critical value Nc> 100, below which the interacting O(N) CFTs turn into nonunitary.

Harmony of spinning conformal blocks

Conformal blocks for correlation functions of tensor operators play an increasingly important role for the conformal bootstrap programme. We develop a universal approach to such spinning blocks through the harmonic analysis of certain bundles over a coset of the conformal group. The resulting Casimir equations are given by a matrix version of the Calogero-Sutherland Hamiltonian that describes the scattering of interacting spinning particles in a 1-dimensional external potential. The approach is illustrated in several examples including fermionic seed blocks in 3D CFT where they take a very simple form.

On critical exponents without Feynman diagrams**AS dedicates this work to the loving memory of his mother.

In order to achieve a better analytic handle on the modern conformal bootstrap program, we re-examine and extend the pioneering 1974 work of Polyakov’s, which was based on consistency between the operator product expansion and unitarity. As in the bootstrap approach, this method does not depend on evaluating Feynman diagrams. We show how this approach can be used to compute the anomalous dimensions of certain operators in the O(n) model at the Wilson–Fisher fixed point in dimensions up to .

Necessary Condition for Emergent Symmetry from the Conformal Bootstrap.

We use the conformal bootstrap program to derive the necessary conditions for emergent symmetry enhancement from discrete symmetry (e.g., Z_{n}) to continuous symmetry [e.g., U(1)] under the renormalization group flow. In three dimensions, in order for Z_{2} symmetry to be enhanced to U(1) symmetry, the conformal bootstrap program predicts that the scaling dimension of the order parameter field at the infrared conformal fixed point must satisfy Δ_{1}>1.08. We also obtain the similar necessary conditions for Z_{3} symmetry with Δ_{1}>0.580 and Z_{4} symmetry with Δ_{1}>0.504 from the simultaneous conformal bootstrap analysis of multiple four-point functions. As applications, we show that our necessary conditions impose severe constraints on the nature of the chiral phase transition in QCD, the deconfinement criticality in Néel valence bond solid transitions, and anisotropic deformations in critical O(n) models. We prove that some fixed points proposed in the literature are unstable under the perturbation that cannot be forbidden by the discrete symmetry. In these situations, the second-order phase transition with enhanced symmetry cannot happen.

The N = 2 $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ superconformal bootstrap

In this work we initiate the conformal bootstrap program for ${\mathcal N}=2$ superconformal field theories in four dimensions. We promote an abstract operator-algebraic viewpoint in order to unify the description of Lagrangian and non-Lagrangian theories, and formulate various conjectures concerning the landscape of theories. We analyze in detail the four-point functions of flavor symmetry current multiplets and of ${\mathcal N}=2$ chiral operators. For both correlation functions we review the solution of the superconformal Ward identities and describe their superconformal block decompositions. This provides the foundation for an extensive numerical analysis discussed in the second half of the paper. We find a large number of constraints for operator dimensions, OPE coefficients, and central charges that must hold for any ${\mathcal N}=2$ superconformal field theory.

Functional renormalization group approach to noncollinear magnets

A functional renormalization group approach to $d$-dimensional, $N$-component, non-collinear magnets is performed using various truncations of the effective action relevant to study their long distance behavior. With help of these truncations we study the existence of a stable fixed point for dimensions between $d= 2.8$ and $d=4$ for various values of $N$ focusing on the critical value $N_c(d)$ that, for a given dimension $d$, separates a first order region for $N<N_c(d)$ from a second order region for $N>N_c(d)$. Our approach concludes to the absence of stable fixed point in the physical - $N=2,3$ and $d=3$ - cases, in agreement with $\epsilon=4-d$-expansion and in contradiction with previous perturbative approaches performed at fixed dimension and with recent approaches based on conformal bootstrap program.

The (2, 0) superconformal bootstrap

We develop the conformal bootstrap program for six-dimensional conformal field theories with $(2,0)$ supersymmetry, focusing on the universal four-point function of stress tensor multiplets. We review the solution of the superconformal Ward identities and describe the superconformal block decomposition of this correlator. We apply numerical bootstrap techniques to derive bounds on OPE coefficients and scaling dimensions from the constraints of crossing symmetry and unitarity. We also derive analytic results for the large spin spectrum using the lightcone expansion of the crossing equation. Our principal result is strong evidence that the $A_1$ theory realizes the minimal allowed central charge $(c=25)$ for any interacting $(2,0)$ theory. This implies that the full stress tensor four-point function of the $A_1$ theory is the unique unitary solution to the crossing symmetry equation at $c=25$. For this theory, we estimate the scaling dimensions of the lightest unprotected operators appearing in the stress tensor operator product expansion. We also find rigorous upper bounds for dimensions and OPE coefficients for a general interacting $(2,0)$ theory of central charge $c$. For large $c$, our bounds appear to be saturated by the holographic predictions obtained from eleven-dimensional supergravity.

Scalar-vector bootstrap

We work out all of the details required for implementation of the conformal bootstrap program applied to the four-point function of two scalars and two vectors in an abstract conformal field theory in arbitrary dimension. This includes a review of which tensor structures make appearances, a construction of the projectors onto the required mixed symmetry representations, and a computation of the conformal blocks for all possible operators which can be exchanged. These blocks are presented as differential operators acting upon the previously known scalar conformal blocks. Finally, we set up the bootstrap equations which implement crossing symmetry. Special attention is given to the case of conserved vectors, where several simplifications occur.