Nonperturbative Instability of AdS_5 x S^5/Z_k

TL;DR

This paper investigates the nonperturbative instability of AdS_5 x S^5/Z_k in the context of AdS/CFT, revealing a decay process at strong coupling despite the absence of tachyons, with implications for the dual field theory.

Contribution

It demonstrates a nonperturbative decay mechanism in a non-supersymmetric AdS background, extending understanding of stability in holographic duals.

Findings

No tachyons at large coupling.

Existence of a nonperturbative decay process.

Implications for strongly coupled dual field theory.

Abstract

We study the AdS/CFT correspondence with boundary conditions AdS_5 x S^5/Z_k, where the Z_k acts freely but breaks all supersymmetry. While there are closed string tachyons at small 't Hooft coupling, there are no tachyons at large coupling. Nevertheless, we show that there is a nonperturbative instability directly analogous to the decay of the Kaluza-Klein vacuum. We discuss the implications of this instability for the strongly coupled dual field theory, and compare with earlier studies of this theory at weak coupling.