Root-$T \overline{T}$ Deformations in Two-Dimensional Quantum Field Theories

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel Root-$T ar{T}$ deformation in two-dimensional quantum field theories, extending the $T ar{T}$ deformation by a square-root operator that generates a new integrable flow.

Contribution

It defines the Root-$T ar{T}$ operator, explores its properties, and relates it to existing theories like ModMax, providing new insights into deformations of 2D QFTs.

Findings

Root-$T ar{T}$ operator is classically marginal.

The flow commutes with the $T ar{T}$-flow.

Connection to ModMax theory established.

Abstract

In this letter we introduce a one-parameter deformation of two-dimensional quantum field theories generated by a non-analytic operator which we call Root-$T \overline{T}$. For a conformal field theory, the operator coincides with the square-root of the $T \overline{T}$ operator. More generally, the operator is defined so that classically it is marginal and generates a flow which commutes with the $T \overline{T}$-flow. Intriguingly, the Root-$T \overline{T}$ flow is closely related to the ModMax theory recently constructed by Bandos, Lechner, Sorokin and Townsend.