Integrable Lattice Models and Holography

We study four-dimensional Chern-Simons theory on $D \times \mathbb{C}$ (where $D$ is a disk), which is understood to describe rational solutions of the Yang-Baxter equation from the work of Costello, Witten and Yamazaki. We find that the theory is dual to a boundary theory, that is a three-dimensional analogue of the two-dimensional chiral WZW model. This boundary theory gives rise to a current algebra that turns out to be an "analytically-continued" toroidal Lie algebra. In addition, we show how certain bulk correlation functions of two and three Wilson lines can be captured by boundary correlation functions of local operators in the three-dimensional WZW model. In particular, we reproduce the leading and subleading nontrivial contributions to the rational R-matrix purely from the boundary theory.Comment: 22 pages, 8 figures. Additional discussions and minor improvements. Published in JHE

Unifying Lattice Models, Links and Quantum Geometric Langlands via Branes in String Theory

We explain how, starting with a stack of D4-branes ending on an NS5-brane in type IIA string theory, one can, via T-duality and the topological-holomorphic nature of the relevant worldvolume theories, relate (i) the lattice models realized by Costello's 4d Chern-Simons theory, (ii) links in 3d analytically-continued Chern-Simons theory, (iii) the quantum geometric Langlands correspondence realized by Kapustin-Witten using 4d N = 4 gauge theory and its quantum group modification, and (iv) the Gaitsgory-Lurie conjecture relating quantum groups/affine Kac-Moody algebras to Whittaker D-modules/W-algebras. This furnishes, purely physically via branes in string theory, a novel bridge between the mathematics of integrable systems, geometric topology, geometric representation theory, and quantum algebras.Comment: 31 pages. Minor improvements, typos corrected, and reference adde

Little Strings, Quasi-topological Sigma Model on Loop Group, and Toroidal Lie Algebras

We study the ground states and left-excited states of the A_{k-1} N=(2,0) little string theory. Via a theorem by Atiyah [1], these sectors can be captured by a supersymmetric nonlinear sigma model on CP^1 with target space the based loop group of SU(k). The ground states, described by L^2-cohomology classes, form modules over an affine Lie algebra, while the left-excited states, described by chiral differential operators, form modules over a toroidal Lie algebra. We also apply our results to analyze the 1/2 and 1/4 BPS sectors of the M5-brane worldvolume theory.Comment: 32 pages. Minor imprecisions and typos corrected. To appear in Nuclear Physics

NONLINEAR QUANTUM COSMOLOGY

Master'sMASTER OF SCIENC

Dualities and Discretizations of Integrable Quantum Field Theories from 4d Chern-Simons Theory

We elucidate the relationship between 2d integrable field theories and 2d integrable lattice models, in the framework of the 4d Chern-Simons theory. The 2d integrable field theory is realized by coupling the 4d theory to multiple 2d surface order defects, each of which is then discretized into 1d defects. We find that the resulting defects can be dualized into Wilson lines, so that the lattice of discretized defects realizes integrable lattice models. Our discretization procedure works systematically for a broad class of integrable models (including trigonometric and elliptic models), and uncovers a rich web of new dualities among integrable field theories. We also study the anomaly-inflow mechanism for the integrable models, which is required for the quantum integrability of field theories. By analyzing the anomalies of chiral defects, we derive a new set of bosonization dualities between generalizations of massless Thirring models and coupled Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) models. We study an embedding of our setup into string theory, where the thermodynamic limit of the lattice models is realized by polarizations of D-branes.Comment: 145 pages, 22 figure

Matrix Regularization of Classical Nambu Brackets and Super pp-Branes

We present an explicit matrix algebra regularization of the algebra of volume-preserving diffeomorphisms of the $n$-torus. That is, we approximate the corresponding classical Nambu brackets using $\mathfrak{sl}(N^{\lceil\tfrac{n}{2}\rceil},\mathbb{C})$-matrices equipped with the finite bracket given by the completely anti-symmetrized matrix product, such that the classical brackets are retrieved in the $N\rightarrow \infty$ limit. We then apply this approximation to the super $4$-brane in $9$ dimensions and give a regularized action in analogy with the matrix regularization of the supermembrane. This action exhibits a reduced gauge symmetry that we discuss from the viewpoint of $L_\infty$-algebras in a slight generalization to the construction of Lie $2$-algebras from Bagger-Lambert $3$-algebras.Comment: 36 pages. Further clarifications. To appear in JHE

4d Chern-Simons Theory as a 3d Toda Theory, and a 3d-2d Correspondence

We show that the four-dimensional Chern-Simons theory studied by Costello, Witten and Yamazaki, is, with Nahm pole-type boundary conditions, dual to a boundary theory that is a three-dimensional analogue of Toda theory with a novel 3d W-algebra symmetry. By embedding four-dimensional Chern-Simons theory in a partial twist of the five-dimensional maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory on a manifold with corners, we argue that this three-dimensional Toda theory is dual to a two-dimensional topological sigma model with A-branes on the moduli space of solutions to the Bogomolny equations. This furnishes a novel 3d-2d correspondence, which, among other mathematical implications, also reveals that modules of the 3d W-algebra are modules for the quantized algebra of certain holomorphic functions on the Bogomolny moduli space.Comment: 27 pages. Presented at "String Math 2020

Boundary N=2 Theory, Floer Homologies, Affine Algebras, and the Verlinde Formula

Generalizing our ideas in [arXiv:1006.3313], we explain how topologically-twisted N=2 gauge theory on a four-manifold with boundary, will allow us to furnish purely physical proofs of (i) the Atiyah-Floer conjecture, (ii) Munoz's theorem relating quantum and instanton Floer cohomology, (iii) their monopole counterparts, and (iv) their higher rank generalizations. In the case where the boundary is a Seifert manifold, one can also relate its instanton Floer homology to modules of an affine algebra via a 2d A-model with target the based loop group. As an offshoot, we will be able to demonstrate an action of the affine algebra on the quantum cohomology of the moduli space of flat connections on a Riemann surface, as well as derive the Verlinde formula.Comment: 44 pp. Typos corrected. To appear in ATM