WZW Model Research Articles

Noncommutative Sugawara construction

The noncommutative extension of the Sugawara construction for free massless fermionic fields in two dimensions is studied. We prove that the equivalence of the noncommutative Sugawara energy-momentum tensor and symmetric energy-momentum tensor persists in the noncommutative extension. Some relevant physical results of this equivalence are also discussed.

Integrable λ-deformations: squashing coset CFTs and AdS5 × S5

We examine integrable λ-deformations of SO(n + 1)/SO(n) coset CFTs and their analytic continuations. We provide an interpretation of the deformation as a squashing of the corresponding coset σ-model’s target space. We realise the λ-deformation for n = 5 case as a solution to supergravity supported by non-vanishing five-form and dilaton. This interpolates between the coset CFT SO(4, 2)/SO(4, 1) × SO(6)/SO(5) constructed as a gauged WZW model and the non-Abelian T-dual of the AdS5 × S5 spacetime.

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.

Elliptic solutions in the Neumann–Rosochatius system with mixed flux

Closed strings spinning in AdS_3 x S^3 x T^4 with mixed R-R and NS-NS three-form fluxes are described by a deformation of the one-dimensional Neumann-Rosochatius integrable system. In this article we find general solutions to this system that can be expressed in terms of elliptic functions. We consider closed strings rotating either in S^3 with two different angular momenta or in AdS_3 with one spin. In order to find the solutions we will need to extend the Uhlenbeck integrals of motion of the Neumann-Rosochatius system to include the contribution from the flux. In the limit of pure NS-NS flux, where the problem can be described by a supersymmetric WZW model, we find exact expressions for the classical energy in terms of the spin and the angular momenta of the spinning string.

On integrable deformations of superstring sigma models related to [formula omitted] supercosets

We consider two integrable deformations of 2d sigma models on supercosets associated with AdSn×Sn. The first, the “η-deformation” (based on the Yang–Baxter sigma model), is a one-parameter generalization of the standard superstring action on AdSn×Sn, while the second, the “λ-deformation” (based on the deformed gauged WZW model), is a generalization of the non-abelian T-dual of the AdSn×Sn superstring. We show that the η-deformed model may be obtained from the λ-deformed one by a special scaling limit and analytic continuation in coordinates combined with a particular identification of the parameters of the two models. The relation between the couplings and deformation parameters is consistent with the interpretation of the first model as a real quantum deformation and the second as a root of unity quantum deformation. For the AdS2×S2 case we then explore the effect of this limit on the supergravity background associated with the λ-deformed model. We also suggest that the two models may form a dual Poisson–Lie pair and provide direct evidence for this in the case of the integrable deformations of the coset associated with S2.

Exact three dimensional black hole with gauge fields in string theory

We have obtained exact three dimensional BTZ type solutions with gauge fields, for string theory on a gauge symmetric gravitational background constructed from semi-simple extension of the Poincaré algebra (and the Maxwell algebra) in \(2+1\) dimensions. We have studied the models for two non-Abelian and Abelian gauge fields solutions and shown that the related sigma model for each of these backgrounds is a \(\mathrm{SL}(2,R)\) Wess–Zumino–Witten model and that these models are classically canonically equivalent. We have also obtained the dual solution for the Abelian case and by interpreting the new field strength tensors of the Abelian solution as electromagnetic field strength tensors shown that dual models coincide with the charged black string solution.

On the spectrum of superspheres

Sigma models on coset superspaces, such as odd dimensional superspheres, play an important role in physics and in particular the AdS/CFT correspondence. In this work we apply recent general results on the spectrum of coset space models and on supergroup WZNW models to study the conformal sigma model with target space S 3|2. We construct its vertex operators and provide explicit formulas for their anomalous dimensions, at least to leading order in the sigma model coupling. The results are used to revisit a non-perturbative duality between the supersphere and the OSP(4|2) Gross-Neveu model that was conjectured by Candu and Saleur. With the help of powerful all-loop results for $$ \frac{1}{2}\mathrm{B}\mathrm{P}\mathrm{S} $$ operators in the Gross-Neveu model we are able to recover the entire zero mode spectrum of the sigma model at a certain finite value of the Gross-Neveu coupling. In addition, we argue that the sigma model constraints and equations of motion are implemented correctly in the dual Gross-Neveu description. On the other hand, high(er) gradient operators of the sigma model are not all accounted for. It is possible that this discrepancy is related to an instability from high gradient operators that has previously been observed in the context of Anderson localization.

A Note on Colored HOMFLY Polynomials for Hyperbolic Knots from WZW Models

Using the correspondence between Chern-Simons theories and Wess-Zumino-Witten models we present the necessary tools to calculate colored HOMFLY polynomials for hyperbolic knots. For two-bridge hyperbolic knots we derive the colored HOMFLY invariants in terms of crossing matrices of the underlying Wess-Zumino-Witten model. Our analysis extends previous works by incorporating non-trivial multiplicities for the primaries appearing in the crossing matrices, so as to describe colorings of HOMFLY invariants beyond the totally symmetric or anti-symmetric representations of SU(N). The crossing matrices directly relate to 6j-symbols of the quantum group U_q(su(N)). We present powerful methods to calculate such quantum 6j-symbols for general N. This allows us to determine previously unknown colored HOMFLY polynomials for two-bridge hyperbolic knots. We give explicitly the HOMFLY polynomials colored by the representation {2,1} for two-bridge hyperbolic knots with up to eight crossings. Yet, the scope of application of our techniques goes beyond knot theory; e.g., our findings can be used to study correlators in Wess-Zumino-Witten conformal field theories or -- in the limit to classical groups -- to determine color factors for Yang Mills amplitudes.

The anisotropic λ-deformed SU(2) model is integrable

The all-loop anisotropic Thirring model interpolates between the WZW model and the non-Abelian T-dual of the anisotropic principal chiral model. We focus on the SU(2) case and we prove that it is classically integrable by providing its Lax pair formulation. We derive its underlying symmetry current algebra and use it to show that the Poisson brackets of the spatial part of the Lax pair, assume the Maillet form. In this way we procure the corresponding r and s matrices which provide non-trivial solutions to the modified Yang–Baxter equation.

Extended supersymmetry of semichiral sigma models in 4D

Briefly: Using a novel $(1,1)$ superspace formulation of semichiral sigma models with $4D$ target space, we investigate if an extended supersymmetry in terms of semichirals is compatible with having a $4D$ target space with torsion. In more detail: Semichiral sigma models have $(2,2)$ supersymmetry and Generalized K\"ahler target space geometry by construction. They can also support $(4,4)$ supersymmetry and Generalized Hyperk\"ahler geometry, but when the target space is four dimensional indications are that the geometry is restricted to Hyperk\"ahler. To investigate this further, we reduce the model to $(1,1)$ superspace and construct the extra (on-shell) supersymmetries there. We then find the conditions for a lift to $(2,2)$ super space and semichiral fields to exist. Those conditions are shown to hold for Hyperk\"ahler geometries. The $SU(2)\otimes U(1)$ WZW model, which has $(4,4)$ supersymmetry and a semichiral description, is also investigated. The additional supersymmetries are found in $(1,1)$ superspace but shown {\em not} to be liftable to a $(2,2)$ semichiral formulation.

Double field theory on group manifolds

A new version of double field theory (DFT) is derived for the exactly solvable background of an in general left-right asymmetric WZW model in the large level limit. This generalizes the original DFT that was derived via expanding closed string field theory on a torus up to cubic order. The action and gauge transformations are derived for fluctuations around the generalized group manifold background up to cubic order, revealing the appearance of a generalized Lie derivative and a corresponding C-bracket upon invoking a new version of the strong constraint. In all these quantities a background dependent covariant derivative appears reducing to the partial derivative for a toroidal background. This approach sheds some new light on the conceptual status of DFT, its background (in-)dependence and the up-lift of non-geometric Scherk-Schwarz reductions.

Super-Lie n-algebra extensions, higher WZW models and super-p-branes with tensor multiplet fields

We formalize higher-dimensional and higher gauge WZW-type sigma-model local prequantum field theory, and discuss its rationalized/perturbative description in (super-)Lie n-algebra homotopy theory (the true home of the "FDA"-language used in the supergravity literature). We show generally how the intersection laws for such higher WZW-type σ-model branes (open brane ending on background brane) are encoded precisely in (super-)L∞-extension theory and how the resulting "extended (super-)space-times" formalize spacetimes containing σ-model brane condensates. As an application we prove in Lie n-algebra homotopy theory that the complete super-p-brane spectrum of superstring/M-theory is realized this way, including the pure σ-model branes (the "old brane scan") but also the branes with tensor multiplet worldvolume fields, notably the D-branes and the M5-brane. For instance the degree-0 piece of the higher symmetry algebra of 11-dimensional (11D) spacetime with an M2-brane condensate turns out to be the "M-theory super-Lie algebra". We also observe that in this formulation there is a simple formal proof of the fact that type IIA spacetime with a D0-brane condensate is the 11D sugra/M-theory spacetime, and of (prequantum) S-duality for type IIB string theory. Finally we give the non-perturbative description of all this by higher WZW-type σ-models on higher super-orbispaces with higher WZW terms in stacky differential cohomology.

Chiral SU(2)k currents as local operators in vertex models and spin chains

The six-vertex model and its spin-S descendants obtained from the fusion procedure are well-known lattice discretizations of the WZW models, with k = 2S. It is shown that, in these models, it is possible to exhibit a local observable on the lattice that behaves as the chiral current Ja(z) in the continuum limit. The observable is built out of generators of the Lie algebra acting on a small (finite) number of lattice sites. The construction works also for the multi-critical quantum spin chains related to the vertex models, and is verified numerically for S = 1/2 and S = 1 using Bethe ansatz and form factors techniques.

Spacetimes for λ-deformations

We examine a recently proposed class of integrable deformations to two-dimensional conformal field theories. These {\lambda}-deformations interpolate between a WZW model and the non-Abelian T-dual of a Principal Chiral Model on a group G or, between a G/H gauged WZW model and the non-Abelian T-dual of the geometric coset G/H. {\lambda}-deformations have been conjectured to represent quantum group q-deformations for the case where the deformation parameter is a root of unity. In this work we show how such deformations can be given an embedding as full string backgrounds whose target spaces satisfy the equations of type-II supergravity. One illustrative example is a deformation of the Sl(2,R)/U(1) black-hole CFT. A further example interpolates between the $\frac{SU(2)\times SU(2)}{SU(2)}\times\frac{SL(2,R)\times SL(2,R)}{SL(2,R)} \times U(1)^4$ gauged WZW model and the non-Abelian T-dual of $AdS_3\times S^3\times T^4$ supported with Ramond flux.

Integrable hydrodynamic chains for WZNW Model

The new integrable hydrodynamic equations obtained for WZNW model with SU(2), SO(3), SP(2) and SU(∞) constant torsions.

An integrable deformation of the AdS5 × S5 superstring

The S-matrix on the world-sheet theory of the string in AdS has previously been shown to admit a deformation where the symmetry algebra is replaced by the associated quantum group. The case where q is real has been identified as a particular deformation of the Green–Schwarz sigma model. An interpretation of the case with q a root of unity has, until now, been lacking. We show that the Green–Schwarz sigma model admits a discrete deformation which can be viewed as a rather simple deformation of the gauged WZW model, where . The deformation parameter q is then a kth root of unity where k is the level. The deformed theory has the same equations-of-motion as the Green–Schwarz sigma model but has a different symplectic structure. We show that the resulting theory is integrable and has just the right amount of kappa-symmetries that appear as a remnant of the fermionic part of the original gauge symmetry. This points to the existence of a fully consistent deformed string background.

Integrable deformations of strings on symmetric spaces

A general class of deformations of integrable sigma-models with symmetric space F/G target-spaces are found. These deformations involve defining the non-abelian T dual of the sigma-model and then replacing the coupling of the Lagrange multiplier imposing flatness with a gauged F/F WZW model. The original sigma-model is obtained in the limit of large level. The resulting deformed theories are shown to preserve both integrability and the equations-of-motion, but involve a deformation of the symplectic structure. It is shown that this deformed symplectic structure involves a linear combination of the original Poisson bracket and a generalization of the Faddeev-Reshetikhin Poisson bracket which we show can be re-expressed as two decoupled F current algebras. It is then shown that the deformation can be incorporated into the classical model of strings on R x F/G via a generalization of the Pohlmeyer reduction. In this case, in the limit of large sigma-model coupling it is shown that the theory becomes the relativistic symmetric space sine-Gordon theory. These results point to the existence of a deformation of this kind for the full Green-Schwarz superstring on AdS5 x S5.

(2+1)-dimensional gravity from Maxwell and semisimple extension of the Poincaré gauge symmetric models

We obtain 2 + 1 dimensional gravity with cosmological constant which is coupled to gauge fields, using Maxwell and semi-simple extension of the Poincare gauge symmetric models (i.e. Chern-Simons models with these gauge groups). Also, we obtain some Ads and BTZ type solutions for the classical equations of motion for these 2 + 1 dimensional gravities. For the semi-simple extension of the Poincare gauge group we investigate the Ads/CFT correspondence and show that the model at the boundary is equivalent to the sum of three WZW models over group SO(2,1). Then, we show that the central charge of the CFT is the same as that of CFT at the boundary of Ads spacetime related to the Chern-Simons model with gauge group SO(2,2). Finally, we show that these two 2 + 1 dimensional gravity models are dual (canonically transformed) to each other.

The classical Yang–Baxter equation and the associated Yangian symmetry of gauged WZW-type theories

We construct the Lax-pair, the classical monodromy matrix and the corresponding solution of the Yang–Baxter equation, for a two-parameter deformation of the Principal chiral model for a simple group. This deformation includes as a one-parameter subset, a class of integrable gauged WZW-type theories interpolating between the WZW model and the non-Abelian T-dual of the principal chiral model. We derive in full detail the Yangian algebra using two independent methods: by computing the algebra of the non-local charges and alternatively through an expansion of the Maillet brackets for the monodromy matrix. As a byproduct, we also provide a detailed general proof of the Serre relations for the Yangian symmetry.

4-D semistrict higher Chern-Simons theory I

We formulate a 4-dimensional higher gauge theoretic Chern-Simons theory. Its symmetry is encoded in a semistrict Lie 2-algebra equipped with an invariant non singular bilinear form. We analyze the gauge invariance of the theory and show that action is invariant under a higher gauge transformation up to a higher winding number. We find that the theory admits two seemingly inequivalent canonical quantizations. The first is manifestly topological, it does not require a choice of any additional structure on the spacial 3-fold. The second, more akin to that of ordinary Chern-Simons theory, involves fixing a CR structure on the latter. Correspondingly, we obtain two sets of semistrict higher WZW Ward identities and we find the explicit expressions of two higher versions of the WZW action. We speculate that the model could be used to define 2-knot invariants of 4-folds.