Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

New Results in 4D N=2 Superconformal Field Theories

Wittig, John Rudolph, Jr.

Abstract Details

2009, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Physics.
We study the classification of 2-dimensional scale-invariant rigid special Kahler (RSK) geometries, which potentially describe the Coulomb branches of N=2 supersymmetric field theories in four dimensions. We show that this classification is equivalent to the solution of a set of polynomial equations by using an integrability condition for the central charge, scale invariance, constraints coming from demanding single-valuedness of physical quantities on the Coulomb branch, and properties of massless BPS states at singularities. We find solutions corresponding to lagrangian scale invariant theories – including the scale invariant G2 theory not found before in the literature – as well as many new isolated solutions (having no marginal deformations). All our scale-invariant RSK geometries are consistent with an interpretation as effective theories of N = 2 superconformal field theories, and, where we can check, turn out to exist as quantum field theories. Then, we show that a proposed duality between infinitely coupled gauge theories and superconformal field theories (SCFTs) with weakly gauged flavor groups predicts the existence of new rank 1 SCFTs. These superconformal fixed point theories have the same Coulomb branch singularities as the rank 1 E6, E7, and E8 SCFTs, but have smaller flavor symmetry algebras and different central charges. Gauging various subalgebras of the flavor algebras of the rank 1 SCFTs provides many examples of infinite-coupling dualities, satisfying an intricate set of consistency checks. They also provide examples of N = 2 conformal theories with marginal couplings but no weak-coupling limits.
Philip Argyres, PhD (Committee Chair)
Brian Meadows, PhD (Committee Member)
Michael Ma, PhD (Committee Member)
Rohana Wijewardhana, PhD (Committee Member)
101 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wittig, Jr., J. R. (2009). New Results in 4D N=2 Superconformal Field Theories [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1240853782

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wittig, Jr., John. New Results in 4D N=2 Superconformal Field Theories. 2009. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1240853782.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wittig, Jr., John. "New Results in 4D N=2 Superconformal Field Theories." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1240853782

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)