An Introduction to Supersymmetric Gauge Theories and Matrix Models

TL;DR

This paper introduces the connection between supersymmetric gauge theories and matrix models, reviewing foundational concepts and presenting proofs of their relationship through field theory methods.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive, self-contained introduction and new proofs of the supersymmetric gauge theories and matrix models connection, emphasizing field theoretical approaches.

Findings

Diagrammatic proof of the gauge theory-matrix model connection

Anomaly-based proof of the connection

Review of superfield formulation and related concepts

Abstract

We give an introduction to the recently established connection between supersymmetric gauge theories and matrix models. We begin by reviewing previous material that is required in order to follow the latest developments. This includes the superfield formulation of gauge theories, holomorphy, the chiral ring, the Konishi anomaly and the large N limit. We then present both the diagrammatic proof of the connection and the one based on the anomaly. Our discussion is entirely field theoretical and self contained.