Generalized Yukawa couplings and Matrix Models

TL;DR

This paper explores U(N) gauge theories with matter fields and generalized Yukawa interactions, establishing a correspondence with matrix models and providing insights into the Higgs branch and phase transitions.

Contribution

It introduces a framework connecting generalized Yukawa couplings in gauge theories to matrix models, extending previous analyses to new interaction forms.

Findings

Matrix model and gauge theory descriptions agree.

Partial characterization of the Higgs branch.

Phase transitions linked to matrix model cuts.

Abstract

In this note we investigate U(N) gauge theories with matter in the fundamental and adjoint representations of the gauge group, interacting via generalized Yukawa terms of the form Tr[Q \Phi^n {\tilde Q}]. We find agreement between the matrix model and the gauge theory descriptions of these theories. The analysis leads to a partial description of the Higgs branch of the gauge theory. We argue that the transition between phases with different unbroken flavor symmetry groups is related to the appearance of cuts in the matrix model computation.