RG Flow Research Articles

Comments on Global Symmetries and Anomalies of 5d SCFTs

We study various aspects of global symmetries in five-dimensional superconformal field theories. Whenever a supersymmetry-preserving relevant deformation is available, the infrared gauge theory description might exhibit a finite order mixed ’t Hooft anomaly between a 1-form symmetry and the instantonic symmetry. This anomaly constrains the flavor symmetry group acting faithfully on the SCFT and the consistency of certain RG flows. As an additional example, we consider the instructive case of three-dimensional N=4\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {N}=4$$\\end{document} SQED. Finally, we discuss the compatibility between conformal invariance and the presence of 1-form and 2-group global symmetries.

Explicit entropic proofs of irreversibility theorems for holographic RG flows

We revisit the existence of monotonic quantities along renormalization group flows using only the Null Energy Condition and the Ryu-Takayanagi formula for the entanglement entropy of field theories with anti-de Sitter gravity duals. In particular, we consider flows within the same dimension and holographically reprove the c-, F -, and a-theorems in dimensions two, three, and four. We focus on the family of maximally spherical entangling surfaces, define a quasi-constant of motion corresponding to the breaking of conformal invariance, and use a properly defined distance between minimal surfaces to construct a holographic c-function that is monotonic along the flow. We then apply our method to the case of flows across dimensions: there, we reprove the monotonicity of flows from AdSD+1 to AdS3 and prove the novel case of flows from AdS5 to AdS4.

Asymptotic safe nonassociative quantum gravity with star R-flux products, Goroff–Sagnotti counter-terms, and geometric flows

Nonassociative modifications of general relativity, GR, defined by star products with R-flux deformations in string gravity consist an important subclass of modified gravity theories, MGTs. A longstanding criticism for elaborating quantum gravity, QG, argue that the asymptotic safety does not survive once certain perturbative terms (in general, nonassociative and noncommutative) are included in the projection space. The goal of this work is to prove that a generalized asymptotic safety scenario allows us to formulate physically viable nonassociative QG theories using effective models defined by generic off-diagonal solutions and nonlinear symmetries in nonassociative geometric flow and gravity theories. We elaborate on a new nonholonomic functional renormalization techniques with parametric renormalization group, RG, flow equations for effective actions supplemented by certain canonical two-loop counter-terms. The geometric constructions and quantum deformations are performed for nonassociative phase spaces modelled as R-flux deformed cotangent Lorentz bundles. Our results prove that theories involving nonassociative modifications of GR can be well defined both as classical nonassociative MGTs and QG models. Such theories are characterized by generalized G. Perelman thermodynamic variables which are computed for certain examples of nonassociative geometric and RG flows.

Bounding irrelevant operators in the 3d Gross-Neveu-Yukawa CFTs

We perform a numerical bootstrap study of scalar operators in the critical 3d Gross-Neveu-Yukawa models, a family of conformal field theories containing N Majorana fermions in the fundamental representation of an O(N) global symmetry. We compute rigorous bounds on the scaling dimensions of the next-to-lowest parity-even and parity-odd singlet scalars at N = 2, 4, and 8. All of these dimensions have lower bounds greater than 3, implying that there are only two relevant singlet scalars and placing constraints on the RG flow structure of these theories.

RG flows in de Sitter: C-functions and sum rules

RG flows in de Sitter: C-functions and sum rules

The defect b-theorem under bulk RG flows

It is known that for RG flows confined to a two-dimensional defect, where the bulk maintains its conformal nature, the coefficient of the Euler density in the defect’s Weyl anomaly (termed b) cannot increase as the flow progresses from the ultraviolet to the infrared, a principle known as the b-theorem. In this paper, we investigate whether this theorem still holds when the bulk, instead of being critical, also undergoes an RG flow. To address this question, we examine two distinct and perturbatively tractable examples. Our analysis reveals that a straightforward extension of the b-theorem to these cases of RG flows fails.

Superconformal monodromy defects in N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document}=4 SYM and LS theory

We study type IIB supergravity solutions that are dual to two-dimensional superconformal defects in d = 4 SCFTs which preserve N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document} = (0, 2) supersymmetry. We consider solutions dual to defects in N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document} = 4 SYM theory that have non-trivial monodromy for U(1)3 ⊂ SO(6) global symmetry and we also allow for the possibility of conical singularities. In addition, we consider the addition of fermionic and bosonic mass terms that have non trivial dependence on the spatial directions transverse to the defect, while preserving the superconformal symmetry of the defect. We compute various physical quantities including the central charges of the defect expressed as a function of the monodromy, the on-shell action as well as associated supersymmetric Rényi entropies. Analogous computations are carried out for superconformal defects in the N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document} = 1, d = 4 Leigh-Strassler SCFT. We also show that the defects of the two SCFTs are connected by a line of bulk marginal mass deformations and argue that they are also related by bulk RG flow.

Discontinuity in RG flows across dimensions: entanglement, anomaly coefficients and geometry

We study the entanglement entropy associated with a holographic RG flow from AdS7 to AdS4 × ℍ3, where ℍ3 is a 3-dimensional hyperbolic manifold with curvature κ. The dual six-dimensional RG flow is disconnected from Lorentz-invariant flows. In this context we address various notions of central charges and identify a monotonic candidate c-function that captures IR aspects of the flow. The UV behavior of the holographic entanglement entropy and, in particular its universal term, display an interesting dependence on the curvature, κ. We then contrast our holographic results with existing field theory computations in six dimensions and find a series of new corrections in curvature to the universal term in the entanglement entropy.

Higher-order tails and RG flows due to scattering of gravitational radiation from binary inspirals

We establish and develop a novel methodology to treat higher-order non-linear effects of gravitational radiation that is scattered from binary inspirals, which employs modern scattering-amplitudes methods on the effective picture of the binary as a composite particle. We spell out our procedure to study such effects: assembling tree amplitudes via generalized-unitarity methods and employing the closed-time-path formalism to derive the causal effective actions, which encompass the full conservative and dissipative dynamics. We push through to a new state of the art for these higher-order effects, up to the third subleading tail effect, at order GN5\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ {G}_N^5 $$\\end{document} and the 5-loop level, which corresponds to the 8.5PN order. We formulate the consequent dissipated energy for these higher-order corrections, and carry out a renormalization analysis, where we uncover new subleading RG flow of the quadrupole coupling. For all higher-order tail effects we find perfect agreement with partial observable results in PN and self-force theories, where available.

Local Solutions of RG Flow Equations from the Nash–Moser Theorem

We prove local existence of solutions of a functional renormalisation group equation for the effective action of an interacting quantum field theory, when a suitable local potential approximation is considered. To obtain this equation in a Lorentzian setting a quantum state for the theory is selected and a regulator consisting in a mass is added to the action. The flow equation for mass rescalings is then studied using the renown Nash–Moser theorem.

Correlation Functions in Holographic RG Flow of 3d Supergravity

Correlation Functions in Holographic RG Flow of 3d Supergravity

Entanglement Renormalization for Quantum Field Theories with Discrete Wavelet Transforms

We propose an adaptation of Entanglement Renormalization for quantum field theories that, through the use of discrete wavelet transforms, strongly parallels the tensor network architecture of the Multiscale Entanglement Renormalization Ansatz (a.k.a. MERA). Our approach, called wMERA, has several advantages of over previous attempts to adapt MERA to continuum systems. In particular, (i) wMERA is formulated directly in position space, hence preserving the quasi-locality and sparsity of entanglers; and (ii) it enables a built-in RG flow in the implementation of real-time evolution and in computations of correlation functions, which is key for efficient numerical implementations. As examples, we describe in detail two concrete implementations of our wMERA algorithm for free scalar and fermionic theories in (1+1) spacetime dimensions. Possible avenues for constructing wMERAs for interacting field theories are also discussed.

Scale symmetry breaking and generation of mass at quantum critical points

We study an asymptotically free theory of N relativistic Dirac fermions and a real scalar field coupled by Yukawa and scalar self-interactions in three dimensions using functional renormalisation. In the limit of many fermion flavours, the cubic scalar coupling becomes exactly marginal due to quantum fluctuations, leading to a line of strongly-coupled infrared fixed points. Fermion mass can be generated through a quantum phase transition even if chiral symmetry is absent. The line of fixed points terminates at a critical endpoint due to the loss of vacuum stability. Exactly at the endpoint, scale symmetry is broken spontaneously, leading to the generation of fermion mass. Intriguingly, the absence of chiral symmetry is a prerequisite for the spontaneous generation of fermion mass, and not a consequence thereof. We also highlight close similarities between Gross-Neveu and Gross-Neveu-Yukawa theories at and away from critical points, and establish the large-N equivalence of their functional RG flows and quantum effective actions. Further implications including for conformal field theories are indicated.

Fusion category symmetry. Part II. Categoriosities at c = 1 and beyond

We study generalized symmetries of quantum field theories in 1+1D generated by topological defect lines with no inverse. This paper follows our companion paper on gapped phases and anomalies associated with these symmetries. In the present work we focus on identifying fusion category symmetries, using both specialized 1+1D methods such as the modular bootstrap and (rational) conformal field theory (CFT), as well as general methods based on gauging finite symmetries, that extend to all dimensions. We apply these methods to c = 1 CFTs and uncover a rich structure. We find that even those c = 1 CFTs with only finite group-like symmetries can have continuous fusion category symmetries, and prove a Noether theorem that relates such symmetries in general to non-local conserved currents. We also use these symmetries to derive new constraints on RG flows between 1+1D CFTs.

A new 4d N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document} = 1 duality from the superconformal index

In this paper we propose a physical derivation of a 4d conjectural duality for USp(2N) with an anti-symmetric rank-two tensor and fundamental flavors, in presence of a non-trivial superpotential. This duality has been conjectured as a consequence of an exact identity between the superconformal indices of the two phases, proved in the mathematical literature. Here we show that the duality can be derived by a combined sequence of known dualities, deconfinement of tensor matter, RG flow and Higgsing. Furthermore, by following these steps on the superconformal index, we provide an alternative derivation of the integral identity as well.

Higgs branch RG flows via decay and fission

Magnetic quivers have been an instrumental technique for advancing our understanding of Higgs branches of supersymmetric theories with eight supercharges. In this work, we present the “decay and fission” algorithm for unitary magnetic quivers. It enables the derivation of the complete phase (Hasse) diagram and is characterized by the following key attributes: First and foremost, the algorithm is inherently simple, just relying on convex linear algebra. Second, any magnetic quiver can only undergo decay or fission processes; these reflect the possible Higgs branch RG flows (Higgsings), and the quivers thereby generated are the magnetic quivers of the new RG fixed points. Third, the geometry of the decay or fission transition (i.e., the transverse slice) is simply read off. As a consequence, the algorithm does not rely on a complete list of minimal transitions, but rather outputs the transverse slice geometry automatically. As a proof of concept, its efficacy is showcased across various scenarios, encompassing superconformal field theories from dimensions 3 to 6, instanton moduli spaces, and little string theories. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Classifying large N limits of multiscalar theories by algebra

We develop a new approach to RG flows and show that one-loop flows in multiscalar theories can be described by commutative but non-associative algebras. As an example related to D-brane field theories and tensor models, we study the algebra of a theory with M SU(N) adjoint scalars and its large N limits. The algebraic concepts of idempotents and Peirce numbers/Kowalevski exponents are used to characterise the RG flows. We classify and describe all large N limits of algebras of multiadjoint scalar models: the standard ‘t Hooft matrix theory limit, a ‘multi-matrix’ limit, each with one free parameter, and an intermediate case with extra symmetry and no free parameter of the algebra, but an emergent free parameter from a line of one-loop fixed points. The algebra identifies these limits without diagrammatic or combinatorial analysis.

Planar RG flows on line defects

We study a class of renormalization group flows on line defects that can be described by a generalized free field with ordered planar contractions on the line. They are realized, for example, in large N gauge theories with matter in the fundamental representation and arise generically in non-relativistic CFTs. We analyze the flow exactly and compute the change in the g-function between the UV and IR fixed points. We relate the result to the change in the two-point function of the displacement operator and check the monotonicity of the defect entropy along the flow analytically. Finally, we give a general realization of this type of flow starting from the direct sum of the IR fixed point and a trivial line. This type of defect renormalization group flow parallels the well-studied case of double-trace flow.

Interpolating bremsstrahlung function in ABJM model

In ABJM theory, enriched RG flows between circular 1/6 BPS bosonic and 1/2 BPS fermionic Wilson loops have been introduced in L. Castiglioni [L. Castiglioni, S. Penati, M. Tenser, and D. Trancanelli, Interpolating Wilson loops and enriched RG flows, .]. These flows are triggered by deformations corresponding to parametric 1/6 BPS fermionic loops. In this paper, we revisit the study of these operators, but instead of circular contours, we consider an interpolating cusped line and a latitude and study their RG flow in perturbation theory. This allows for the definition of a bremsstrahlung function away from fixed points. We generalize to this case the known cusp/latitude correspondence that relates the bremsstrahlung function to a latitude Wilson loop. We find that away from the conformal fixed points the ordinary identity is broken by the conformal anomaly in a controlled way. From a defect perspective, the breaking of the correspondence can be traced back to the appearance of an anomalous dimension for fermionic operators localized on the defect. As a by-product, we provide a brand new result for the two-loop cusp anomalous dimension of the 1/6 BPS fermionic and the 1/6 BPS bosonic Wilson lines. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Holographic RG flows and boundary conditions in a 3D gauged supergravity

In this work we focus on the study of RG flows of conformal field theories that are holographically dual to Poincaré domain wall solutions in D=3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$D=3$$\\end{document}, N=(2,0)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {N}=(2,0)$$\\end{document} gauged supergravity coupled to a sigma model with target space SU(1,1)/U(1)=H2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ extrm{SU}(1, 1)/\ extrm{U}(1) = \\mathbb {H}^2$$\\end{document}. This theory is truncated to a subsector where the vector field and phase of the scalar field vanish and we consider different boundary conditions for the remaining real scalar field. The RG flows, which are mostly non-superysymmetric, are analyzed by treating the supergravity field equations as a dynamical system for the scalar field and its derivative with respect to the scale factor. Phase diagrams are constructed for different values of the parameter a2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$a^2$$\\end{document}, which is related to the curvature of the scalar manifold. The behavior of solutions near the boundary is used to determine their type based on the expansion of the corresponding fake superpotential. By incorporating information on the boundary conditions, the obtained RG flows are interpreted using the holographic dictionary. Numerical solutions and plots of the fake superpotential are also provided.