Geometrizing $T\bar{T}$

TL;DR

This paper extends the understanding of the $T\bar{T}$ deformation by formulating it as a dynamical change of coordinates and Weyl transformations in curved spaces, linking it to holography and cutoff AdS$_3$ geometry.

Contribution

It generalizes the $T\bar{T}$ deformation to curved spaces and clarifies its holographic interpretation through bulk geometry and dynamical transformations.

Findings

The $T\bar{T}$ deformation corresponds to a dynamical change of coordinates in curved space.

The action of the annular region in cutoff AdS$_3$ matches the integrated $T\bar{T}$ operator.

The flow equation for the deformed stress tensor is derived from bulk geometry.

Abstract

The $T\bar{T}$ deformation can be formulated as a dynamical change of coordinates. We establish and generalize this relation to curved spaces by coupling the undeformed theory to 2d gravity. For curved space the dynamical change of coordinates is supplemented by a dynamical Weyl transformation. We also sharpen the holographic correspondence to cutoff AdS$_3$ in multiple ways. First, we show that the action of the annular region between the cutoff surface and the boundary of AdS$_3$ is given precisely by the $T\bar{T}$ operator integrated over either the cutoff surface or the asymptotic boundary. Then we derive dynamical coordinate and Weyl transformations directly from the bulk. Finally, we reproduce the flow equation for the deformed stress tensor from the cutoff geometry.