String Theory on Warped AdS_3 and Virasoro Resonances

TL;DR

This paper explores the holographic duals of warped AdS_3 spaces in string theory, identifying Virasoro symmetries and their central charges, and analyzing supersymmetry and asymptotic symmetries.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of Virasoro algebras in warped AdS_3 backgrounds and uncovers conditions for multiple symmetries and supersymmetry enhancements.

Findings

At least one Virasoro algebra with computable central charge identified.

A dense set of models exhibit a second commuting Virasoro algebra.

Supersymmetry enhancements are observed in certain backgrounds.

Abstract

We investigate aspects of holographic duals to time-like warped AdS_3 space-times--which include G\"odel's universe--in string theory. Using worldsheet techniques similar to those that have been applied to AdS_3 backgrounds, we are able to identify space-time symmetry algebras that act on the dual boundary theory. In particular, we always find at least one Virasoro algebra with computable central charge. Interestingly, there exists a dense set of points in the moduli space of these models in which there is actually a second commuting Virasoro algebra, typically with different central charge than the first. We analyze the supersymmetry of the backgrounds, finding related enhancements, and comment on possible interpretations of these results. We also perform an asymptotic symmetry analysis at the level of supergravity, providing additional support for the worldsheet analysis.