Twisted-circle compactifications of SQCD-like theories and holography

Abstract

We construct and analyse holographic duals to a class of four-dimensional = 1 SU(Nc) SQCD-like theories compactified on a circle with an R-symmetry twist. The setup originates from type IIB backgrounds previously proposed as duals to SQCD with Nf fundamental flavours. The U(1) R-symmetry is anomaly-free only if Nf = 2Nc. We implement a supersymmetric twisted-circle reduction, holographically realised through a smoothly shrinking S1 fibered over the internal U(1)R direction. We obtain new regular type IIB supergravity backgrounds that are valid only if the condition Nf = 2Nc is satisfied — mirroring the anomaly cancellation requirement in the field theory. We compute various field-theoretic observables — including the Chern-Simons level, Wilson loop and the holographic central charge — showing the emergence of a 3D = 2 gapped phase consistent with a Chern-Simons TQFT. This work highlights the interplay between anomalies, supersymmetry, and geometry in the holographic realisation of compactified gauge theories with fundamental matter