Topological resolution of gauge theory singularities

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel mechanism using Chern-Simons interactions to resolve Coulomb branch singularities in three-dimensional gauge theories, with potential implications for string theory singularity resolution.

Contribution

It proposes a new resolution mechanism for gauge theory singularities via Chern-Simons interactions, demonstrated through a supersymmetric SU(2) Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons model.

Findings

One-loop corrections interpolate between singular and regular metrics.

The mechanism suggests a way to resolve singularities in string theory.

Potential applications to orientifold six-plane singularities in supergravity.

Abstract

Some gauge theories with Coulomb branches exhibit singularities in perturbation theory, which are usually resolved by nonperturbative physics. In string theory this corresponds to the resolution of timelike singularities near the core of orientifold planes by effects from F or M theory. We propose a new mechanism for resolving Coulomb branch singularities in three dimensional gauge theories, based on Chern-Simons interactions. This is illustrated in a supersymmetric SU(2) Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons theory. We calculate the one loop corrections to the Coulomb branch of this theory and find a result that interpolates smoothly between the high energy metric (that would exhibit the singularity) and a regular singularity-free low energy result. We suggest possible applications to singularity resolution in string theory and speculate a relationship to a similar phenomenon for the orientifold six-plane in massive IIA supergravity.