The Quantum Dynamics of Heterotic Vortex Strings

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum behavior of vortex strings in a specific supersymmetric gauge theory, revealing how quantum effects influence supersymmetry and relate to the four-dimensional meson spectrum.

Contribution

It demonstrates the quantum breaking and restoration of worldsheet supersymmetry and connects the vortex string spectrum to 4d meson states.

Findings

Supersymmetry on the string worldsheet is broken by quantum effects.

Pattern of supersymmetry breaking/restoration reflects 4d quantum dynamics.

Qualitative match between 4d meson spectrum and worldsheet spectrum.

Abstract

We study the quantum dynamics of vortex strings in N=1 SQCD with U(N_c) gauge group and N_f=N_c quarks. The classical worldsheet of the string has N=(0,2) supersymmetry, but this is broken by quantum effects. We show how the pattern of supersymmetry breaking and restoration on the worldsheet captures the quantum dynamics of the underlying 4d theory. We also find qualitative matching of the meson spectrum in 4d and the spectrum on the worldsheet.