String corrections to circular Wilson loop and anomalies

TL;DR

This paper investigates string quantum corrections to Wilson loops in N=4 super-Yang-Mills theory, revealing how conformal anomalies resolve previous discrepancies between string theory calculations and field theory results.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of string quantum corrections, addressing conformal gauge singularities and demonstrating anomaly cancellation to align with exact field-theoretic results.

Findings

IR anomaly cancels discrepancy with field theory

Conformal gauge singularities are resolved by anomaly analysis

Fluctuation determinants are recalculated confirming anomaly cancellation

Abstract

We study string quantum corrections to the ratio of latitude and circular Wilson loops in N=4 super-Yang-Mills theory at strong coupling. Conformal gauge for the corresponding minimal surface in AdS(5)xS(5) is singular and we show that an IR anomaly associated with the divergence in the conformal factor removes previously reported discrepancy with the exact field-theory result. We also carefully check conformal anomaly cancellation and recalculate fluctuation determinants by directly evaluating phaseshifts for all the fluctuation modes.