Matrix Theory Black Holes and the Gross Witten Transition

TL;DR

This paper explores the connection between phase transitions in large N supersymmetric gauge theories and black hole solutions in general relativity, using matrix theory and super Yang Mills theories.

Contribution

It establishes a link between Gross-Witten phase transitions in gauge theories and black hole transitions in gravity via matrix theory.

Findings

Identifies correspondence between gauge theory phase transitions and black hole solutions.

Relates the Gross-Witten transition to gravitational black hole transitions.

Discusses a related transition by Banks et al.

Abstract

Large N gauge theories have so called Gross-Witten phase transitions which typically can occur in finite volume systems. In this paper we relate these transitions in supersymmetric gauge theories to transitions that take place between black hole solutions in general relativity. The correspondence between gauge theory and gravitation is through matrix theory which represents the gravitational system in terms of super Yang Mills theories on finite tori. We also discuss a related transition that was found by Banks, Fischler, Klebanov and Susskind.