Euclidean M-theory background dual to three-dimensional scale invariant field theory without conformal invariance

TL;DR

This paper presents an eleven-dimensional supergravity solution that models a three-dimensional scale invariant field theory lacking conformal invariance, and explores its holographic RG flow connecting UV and non-conformal fixed points.

Contribution

It constructs a novel Euclidean supergravity background representing a non-conformal scale invariant phase and analyzes the holographic RG flow between conformal and non-conformal fixed points.

Findings

Existence of a classical supergravity solution with scale invariance but no conformal invariance.

Holographic RG flow connecting UV conformal fixed point to a non-conformal fixed point.

Implication that M2-brane gauge theories can have a scale invariant phase without conformal symmetry.

Abstract

We show that eleven dimensional supergravity in Euclidean signature admits an exact classical solution with isometry corresponding to a three dimensional scale invariant field theory without conformal invariance. We also construct the holographic renormalization group flow that connects the known UV conformal fixed point and the new scale invariant but not conformal fixed point. In view of holography, the existence of such classical solutions suggests that the topologically twisted M2-brane gauge theory possesses a scale invariant but not conformal phase.