Coulomb branch operator algebras and universal selection rules for N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 SCFTs

Abstract Coulomb branches of vacua are the most universal moduli spaces that arise in local unitary interacting 4d N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 superconformal field theories (SCFTs). In these theories, 1/2-BPS primaries parameterize the Coulomb branches and form (anti-)chiral rings. We define the notion...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Matthew Buican
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of High Energy Physics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP07(2025)212
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Summary:Abstract Coulomb branches of vacua are the most universal moduli spaces that arise in local unitary interacting 4d N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 superconformal field theories (SCFTs). In these theories, 1/2-BPS primaries parameterize the Coulomb branches and form (anti-)chiral rings. We define the notion of a Coulomb branch operator algebra, A C $$ {\mathcal{A}}_{\mathcal{C}} $$ , that contains these chiral and anti-chiral rings along with infinitely many more operators and products that are less protected by supersymmetry. Using a universal symmetry, I ≅ ℤ 2 $$ \mathcal{I}\cong {\mathbb{Z}}_2 $$ , that arises from studying the superconformal group, we give I $$ \mathcal{I} $$ selection rules for A C $$ {\mathcal{A}}_{\mathcal{C}} $$ and, more generally, for arbitrary products in the local operator algebra of any 4d N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 SCFT. Defining the notion of a “Coulombic” SCFT, we propose explanations for certain phenomena in a 4d/2d correspondence involving 4d N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 theories and 2d vertex operator algebras. Finally, by considering deformations of I $$ \mathcal{I} $$ , we explore the case of N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ > 2 SCFTs.
ISSN:1029-8479