Comments on a-maximization from gauged supergravity

TL;DR

This paper explores the holographic dual of a-maximization in five-dimensional N=2 gauged supergravity, demonstrating consistency of truncations and matching central charges for theories from M5-branes wrapping Riemann surfaces.

Contribution

It provides a detailed holographic analysis of a-maximization, including consistent truncations and matching of central charges for specific M5-brane configurations.

Findings

Confirmed the consistency of the supergravity truncation.

Matched the U(1)_R symmetry and central charge with known results.

Illustrated the holographic interpretation of a-maximization.

Abstract

In this paper we study the holographic dual to a-maximization in five-dimensional N = 2 gauged supergravity. In particular, we apply the procedure described by Tachikawa to specific examples consisting of holographic duals to gauge theories arising as the IR limit of N M5-branes wrapping a Riemann surface. A key element of this analysis is a consistent truncation of seven-dimensional N = 4 SO(5) gauged supergravity reduced on a Riemann surface. We demonstrate the consistency of this truncation and match to a sector of five-dimensional matter-coupled N = 2 gauged supergravity. We determine the U(1)_R symmetry and central charge of these theories and find agreement with the literature. The final results provide a nontrivial illustration of the holographic interpretation of a-maximization.