Construction Of Field Theory Research Articles

Holography as a highly efficient renormalization group flow. I. Rephrasing gravity

We investigate how the holographic correspondence can be reformulated as a generalisation of Wilsonian RG flow in a strongly interacting large $N$ quantum field theory. We firstly define a \textit{highly efficient RG flow} as one in which the Ward identities related to local conservation of energy, momentum and charges preserve the same form at each scale -- to achieve this it is necessary to redefine the background metric and external sources at each scale as functionals of the effective single trace operators. These redefinitions also absorb the contributions of the multi-trace operators to these effective Ward identities. Thus the background metric and external sources become effectively dynamical reproducing the dual classical gravity equations in one higher dimension. Here, we focus on reconstructing the pure gravity sector as a highly efficient RG flow of the energy-momentum tensor operator, leaving the explicit constructive field theory approach for generating such RG flows to the second part of the work. We show that special symmetries of the highly efficient RG flows carry information through which we can decode the gauge fixing of bulk diffeomorphisms in the corresponding gravity equations. We also show that the highly efficient RG flow which reproduces a given classical gravity theory in a given gauge is \textit{unique} provided the endpoint can be transformed to a non-relativistic fixed point with a finite number of parameters under a universal rescaling. The results obtained here are used in the second part of this work, where we do an explicit field-theoretic construction of the RG flow, and obtain the dual classical gravity theory.

Ambitwistor string theory in the operator formalism

After a brief overview of the operator formalism for conventional string theory, an operator formalism for ambitwistor string theory is presented. It is shown how tree level supergravity scattering amplitudes are recovered in this formalism. More general applications of this formalism to loop amplitudes and the construction of an ambitwistor string field theory are briefly discussed.

20pAK-5 Construction of heterotic string field theory including the Ramond sector

20pAK-5 Construction of heterotic string field theory including the Ramond sector

Quantum field theory with a preferred direction: The very special relativity framework

The theory of very special relativity (VSR) proposed by Cohen and Glashow contains an intrinsic preferred direction. Starting from the irreducible unitary representation of the inhomogeneous VSR group $ISIM(2)$, we present a rigorous construction of quantum field theory with a preferred direction. We find, although the particles and their quantum fields between the VSR and Lorentz sectors are physically different, they share many similarities. The massive spin-half and spin-one vector fields are local and satisfy the Dirac and Proca equations respectively. This result can be generalised to higher-spin field theories. By studying the Yukawa and standard gauge interactions, we obtain a qualitative understanding on the effects of the preferred direction. Its effect is manifest for polarised processes but are otherwise absent.

Renormalization group constructions of topological quantum liquids and beyond

We give a detailed physical argument for the area law for entanglement entropy in gapped phases of matter arising from local Hamiltonians. Our approach is based on renormalization group (RG) ideas and takes a resource oriented perspective. We report four main results. First, we argue for the "weak area law": any gapped phase with a unique ground state on every closed manifold obeys the area law. Second, we introduce an RG based classification scheme and give a detailed argument that all phases within the classification scheme obey the area law. Third, we define a special sub-class of gapped phases, \textit{topological quantum liquids}, which captures all examples of current physical relevance, and we rigorously show that TQLs obey an area law. Fourth, we show that all topological quantum liquids have MERA representations which achieve unit overlap with the ground state in the thermodynamic limit and which have a bond dimension scaling with system size $L$ as $e^{c \log^{d(1+\delta)}(L)}$ for all $\delta >0$. For example, we show that chiral phases in $d=2$ dimensions have an approximate MERA with bond dimension $e^{c \log^{2(1+\delta)}(L)}$. We discuss extensively a number of subsidiary ideas and results necessary to make the main arguments, including field theory constructions. While our argument for the general area law rests on physically-motived assumptions (which we make explicit) and is therefore not rigorous, we may conclude that "conventional" gapped phases obey the area law and that any gapped phase which violates the area law must be a dragon.

Einstein Geometrization Philosophy and Differential Identities in PAP-Geometry

The importance of Einstein’s geometrization philosophy, as an alternative to the least action principle, in constructing general relativity (GR), is illuminated. The role of differential identities in this philosophy is clarified. The use of Bianchi identity to write the field equations of GR is shown. Another similar identity in the absolute parallelism geometry is given. A more general differential identity in the parameterized absolute parallelism geometry is derived. Comparison and interrelationships between the above mentioned identities and their role in constructing field theories are discussed.

Application of explicit Hilbert's pairing to constructive class field theory and cryptography

Application of explicit Hilbert's pairing to constructive class field theory and cryptography

Coarse-Graining as a Route to Microscopic Physics: The Renormalization Group in Quantum Field Theory

The renormalization group (RG) has been characterized as merely a coarse-graining procedure that does not illuminate the microscopic content of quantum field theory (QFT) but merely gets us from that content, as given by axiomatic QFT, to macroscopic predictions. I argue that in the constructive field theory tradition, RG techniques do illuminate the microscopic dynamics of a QFT, which are not automatically given by axiomatic QFT. RG techniques in constructive field theory are also rigorous, so one cannot object to their foundational import on grounds of lack of rigor.

Generalized parametrization dependence in quantum gravity

We critically examine the gauge, and field-parametrization dependence of renormalization group flows in the vicinity of non-Gau\ss{}ian fixed points in quantum gravity. While physical observables are independent of such calculational specifications, the construction of quantum gravity field theories typically relies on off-shell quantities such as $\beta$ functions and generating functionals and thus face potential stability issues with regard to such generalized parametrizations. We analyze a two-parameter class of covariant gauge conditions, the role of momentum-dependent field rescalings and a class of field parametrizations. Using the product of Newton and cosmological constant as an indicator, the principle of minimum sensitivity identifies stationary points in this parametrization space which show a remarkable insensitivity to the parametrization. In the most insensitive cases, the quantized gravity system exhibits a non-Gau\ss{}ian UV stable fixed point, lending further support to asymptotically free quantum gravity. One of the stationary points facilitates an analytical determination of the quantum gravity phase diagram and features ultraviolet and infrared complete RG trajectories with a classical regime.

Infinite number of MSSMs from heterotic line bundles?

We consider heterotic ${\mathrm{E}}_{8}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{E}}_{8}$ supergravity compactified on smooth Calabi-Yau manifolds with line bundle gauge backgrounds. Infinite sets of models that satisfy the Bianchi identities and flux quantization conditions can be constructed by letting their background flux quanta grow without bound. Even though we do not have a general proof, we find that all examples are at the boundary of the theory's validity: the Donaldson-Uhlenbeck-Yau equations, which can be thought of as vanishing D-term conditions, cannot be satisfied inside the K\"ahler cone unless a growing number of scalar vacuum expectation values is switched on. As they are charged under various line bundles simultaneously, the gauge background gets deformed by these VEVs to a non-Abelian bundle. In general, our physical expectation is that such infinite sets of models should be impossible, since they never seem to occur in exact conformal field theory constructions.

Defects in Chern-Simons theory, gauged WZW models on the brane, and level-rank duality

We consider Hanany-Witten setups of 3- and 5-branes in type IIB string theory that realize $$ \mathcal{N}=\left(1,0\right) $$ , (2, 0) and (1, 1) gauged WZW models in 1 + 1 dimensions. The gauged WZW models arise as theories residing on the boundary of D3 branes ending on D5 branes. From the point of view of low energy dynamics the D5 branes play the role of half-BPS co-dimension-1 defects (domain walls) in 3d $$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$ or $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ Chern-Simons theories. Extending the analysis of previous works on the subject of boundary conditions in (supersymmetric) Chern-Simons theory, we discuss in detail the field theory construction of a large class of Chern-Simons domain wall theories and its embedding in open string dynamics. Finally, we exhibit how standard brane moves that result to 3d Seiberg duality, translate in our setup to a generalized level-rank duality in gauged-WZW models.

Corrected loop vertex expansion for Φ24 theory

This paper is an extended erratum to Rivasseau and Wang [J. Math. Phys. 53, 042302 (2012); e-print arXiv:1104.3443 [math-ph]], in which the classic construction and Borel summability of the ϕ24 Euclidean quantum field theory was revisited combining a multi-scale analysis with the constructive method called Loop Vertex Expansion (LVE). Unfortunately we discovered an important error in the method of Rivasseau and Wang [J. Math. Phys. 53, 042302 (2012); e-print arXiv:1104.3443 [math-ph]]. We explain the mistake, and provide a new, correct construction of the ϕ24 theory according to the LVE.

State sum construction of two-dimensional topological quantum field theories on spin surfaces

We provide a combinatorial model for spin surfaces. Given a triangulation of an oriented surface, a spin structure is encoded by assigning to each triangle a preferred edge, and to each edge an orientation and a sign, subject to certain admissibility conditions. The behavior of this data under Pachner moves is then used to define a state sum topological field theory on spin surfaces. The algebraic data is a Δ-separable Frobenius algebra whose Nakayama automorphism is an involution. We find that a simple extra condition on the algebra guarantees that the amplitude is zero unless the combinatorial data satisfies the admissibility condition required for the reconstruction of the spin structure.

Arc spaces and the vertex algebra commutant problem

Given a vertex algebra V and a subalgebra A⊂V, the commutant Com(A,V) is the subalgebra of V which commutes with all elements of A. This construction is analogous to the ordinary commutant in the theory of associative algebras, and is important in physics in the construction of coset conformal field theories. When A is an affine vertex algebra, Com(A,V) is closely related to rings of invariant functions on arc spaces. We find strong finite generating sets for a family of examples where A is affine and V is a βγ-system, bc-system, or bcβγ-system.

The quantum nature of skyrmions and half-skyrmions in Cu2OSeO3.

The Skyrme-particle, the skyrmion, was introduced over half a century ago in the context of dense nuclear matter. But with skyrmions being mathematical objects--special types of topological solitons--they can emerge in much broader contexts. Recently skyrmions were observed in helimagnets, forming nanoscale spin-textures. Extending over length scales much larger than the interatomic spacing, they behave as large, classical objects, yet deep inside they are of quantum nature. Penetrating into their microscopic roots requires a multi-scale approach, spanning the full quantum to classical domain. Here, we achieve this for the first time in the skyrmionic Mott insulator Cu2OSeO3. We show that its magnetic building blocks are strongly fluctuating Cu4 tetrahedra, spawning a continuum theory that culminates in 51 nm large skyrmions, in striking agreement with experiment. One of the further predictions that ensues is the temperature-dependent decay of skyrmions into half-skyrmions.

Renormalization Theory of a Two Dimensional Bose Gas: Quantum Critical Point and Quasi-Condensed State

We present a renormalization group construction of a weakly interacting Bose gas at zero temperature in the two-dimensional continuum, both in the quantum critical regime and in the presence of a condensate fraction. The construction is performed within a rigorous renormalization group scheme, borrowed from the methods of constructive field theory, which allows us to derive explicit bounds on all the orders of renormalized perturbation theory. Our scheme allows us to construct the theory of the quantum critical point completely, both in the ultraviolet and in the infrared regimes, thus extending previous heuristic approaches to this phase. For the condensate phase, we solve completely the ultraviolet problem and we investigate in detail the infrared region, up to length scales of the order $(\lambda^3 \rho_0)^{-1/2}$ (here $\lambda$ is the interaction strength and $\rho_0$ the condensate density), which is the largest length scale at which the problem is perturbative in nature. We exhibit violations to the formal Ward Identities, due to the momentum cutoff used to regularize the theory, which suggest that previous proposals about the existence of a non-perturbative non-trivial fixed point for the infrared flow should be reconsidered.

Anomalous discrete symmetries in three dimensions and group cohomology.

We study 't Hooft anomalies for a global discrete internal symmetry G. We construct examples of bosonic field theories in three dimensions with a nonvanishing 't Hooft anomaly for a discrete global symmetry. We also construct field theories in three dimensions with a global discrete internal symmetry G(1) × G(2) such that gauging G(1) necessarily breaks G(2) and vice versa. This is analogous to the Adler-Bell-Jackiw axial anomaly in four dimensions and parity anomaly in three dimensions.

Holographic geometry of the renormalization group and higher spin symmetries

We consider the Wilson-Polchinski exact renormalization group applied to the generating functional of single-trace operators at a free-fixed point in $d=2+1$ dimensions. By exploiting the rich symmetry structure of free field theory, we study the geometric nature of the RG equations and the associated Ward identities. The geometry, as expected, is holographic, with $AdS$ spacetime emerging correspondent with RG fixed points. The field theory construction gives us a particular vector bundle over the $d+1$-dimensional RG mapping space, called a jet bundle, whose structure group arises from the linear orthogonal bi-local transformations of the bare fields in the path integral. The sources for quadratic operators constitute a connection on this bundle and a section of its endomorphism bundle. Recasting the geometry in terms of the corresponding principal bundle, we arrive at a structure remarkably similar to the Vasiliev theory, where the horizontal part of the connection on the principal bundle is Vasiliev's higher spin connection, while the vertical part (the Faddeev-Popov ghost) corresponds to the $S$-field. The Vasiliev equations are then, respectively, the RG equations and the BRST equations, with the RG beta functions encoding bulk interactions. Finally, we remark that a large class of interacting field theories can be studied through integral transforms of our results, and it is natural to organize this in terms of a large $N$ expansion.

From Luttinger liquid to non-Abelian quantum Hall states

We formulate a theory of non-Abelian fractional quantum Hall states by considering an anisotropic system consisting of coupled, interacting one dimensional wires. We show that Abelian bosonization provides a simple framework for characterizing the Moore Read state, as well as the more general Read Rezayi sequence. This coupled wire construction provides a solvable Hamiltonian formulated in terms of electronic degrees of freedom, and provides a direct route to characterizing the quasiparticles and edge states in terms of conformal field theory. This construction leads to a simple interpretation of the coset construction of conformal field theory, which is a powerful method for describing non Abelian states. In the present context, the coset construction arises when the original chiral modes are fractionalized into coset sectors, and the different sectors acquire energy gaps due to coupling in "different directions". The coupled wire construction can also can be used to describe anisotropic lattice systems, and provides a starting point for models of fractional and non-Abelian Chern insulators. This paper also includes an extended introduction to the coupled wire construction for Abelian quantum Hall states, which was introduced earlier.

Quantum mechanics with coordinate dependent noncommutativity

Noncommutative quantum mechanics can be considered as a first step in the construction of quantum field theory on noncommutative spaces of generic form, when the commutator between coordinates is a function of these coordinates. In this paper we discuss the mathematical framework of such a theory. The noncommutativity is treated as an external antisymmetric field satisfying the Jacobi identity. First, we propose a symplectic realization of a given Poisson manifold and construct the Darboux coordinates on the obtained symplectic manifold. Then we define the star product on a Poisson manifold and obtain the expression for the trace functional. The above ingredients are used to formulate a nonrelativistic quantum mechanics on noncommutative spaces of general form. All considered constructions are obtained as a formal series in the parameter of noncommutativity. In particular, the complete algebra of commutation relations between coordinates and conjugated momenta is a deformation of the standard Heisenberg algebra. As examples we consider a free particle and an isotropic harmonic oscillator on the rotational invariant noncommutative space.