On The Conformal Field Theory Of The Higgs Branch

TL;DR

This paper investigates 1+1-dimensional supersymmetric theories, revealing their flow to conformal field theories on Higgs and Coulomb branches, and explores their connections to matrix models and exotic string theories.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the conformal field theory structure of Higgs branches in 1+1D supersymmetric models, including quantum Higgs phenomena and string theory implications.

Findings

Higgs branches can exist quantum mechanically without classical counterparts

Theories flow to distinct conformal fixed points on Higgs and Coulomb branches

Connections to matrix models of Type IIA fivebranes and exotic string theories

Abstract

We study 1+1-dimensional theories of vector and hypermultiplets with (4,4) supersymmetry. Despite strong infrared fluctuations, these theories flow in general to distinct conformal field theories on the Coulomb and Higgs branches. In some cases there may be a quantum Higgs theory even when there is no classical Higgs branch. The Higgs branches of certain such theories provide a framework for a matrix model of Type IIA fivebranes and the associated exotic six-dimensional string theories. Proposals concerning the interactions of these string theories are evaluated.