Phases of QCD$_3$ from Non-SUSY Seiberg Duality and Brane Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper explores the phases of 3D USp gauge theories using non-supersymmetric Seiberg duality and brane dynamics, revealing insights into bosonization and symmetry breaking.

Contribution

It introduces a non-supersymmetric Seiberg duality for USp gauge theories and connects field theory phases with brane dynamics, enhancing understanding of 3D QCD phenomena.

Findings

Identification of magnetic dual phases with different symmetry properties

Connection between magnetic squark condensation and brane reconnection

Insights into 3D bosonization and flavor symmetry breaking

Abstract

We consider a non-supersymmetric USp Yang-Mills Chern-Simons gauge theory coupled to fundamental flavours. The theory is realised in type IIB string theory via an embedding in a Hanany-Witten brane configuration which includes an orientifold and anti-branes. We argue that the theory admits a magnetic Seiberg dual. Using the magnetic dual we identify dynamics in field theory and brane physics that correspond to various phases, obtaining a better understanding of 3d bosonization and dynamical breaking of flavour symmetry in USp QCD$_3$ theory. In field theory both phases correspond to magnetic 'squark' condensation. In string theory they correspond to open string tachyon condensation and brane reconnection. We also discuss other phases where the magnetic 'squark' is massive. Finally, we briefly comment on the case of unitary gauge groups.