Holomorphic matrix models

This is a study of holomorphic matrix models, the matrix models which underlie the conjecture of Dijkgraaf and Vafa. I first give a systematic description of the holomorphic one-matrix model. After discussing its convergence sectors, I show that certain puzzles related to its perturbative expansion admit a simple resolution in the holomorphic set-up. Constructing a `complex' microcanonical ensemble, I check that the basic requirements of the conjecture (in particular, the special geometry relations involving chemical potentials) hold in the absence of the hermicity constraint. I also show that planar solutions of the holomorphic model probe the entire moduli space of the associated algebraic curve. Finally, I give a brief discussion of holomorphic $ADE$ models, focusing on the example of the $A_2$ quiver, for which I extract explicitly the relevant Riemann surface. In this case, use of the holomorphic model is crucial, since the Hermitian approach and its attending regularization would lead to a singular algebraic curve, thus contradicting the requirements of the conjecture. In particular, I show how an appropriate regularization of the holomorphic $A_2$ model produces the desired smooth Riemann surface in the limit when the regulator is removed, and that this limit can be described as a statistical ensemble of `reduced' holomorphic models.Comment: 45 pages, reference adde

Super Yang-Mills With Flavors From Large N_f Matrix Models

We consider the exact effective superpotential of N=1 U(N_c) super Yang-Mills theory with N_f massive flavors an additional adjoint Higgs field. We use the proposal of Dijkgraaf and Vafa to calculate the superpotential in terms of a matrix model with a large number of flavors. We do this by gauging the flavor symmetry and forcing this sector in a classical vacuum. This gives rise to a 2-matrix model of ADE type A_2, and large flavors. This approach allows us to add an arbitrary polynomial tree level superpotential for the Higgs field, and use strict large N methods in the matrix model.Comment: 17 p. LaTeX, 17 p. v2: ref added, typos corrected. v3: typos corrected. v4: typos corrected, extended discussion on classical solution

On the Matter of the Dijkgraaf--Vafa Conjecture

With the aim of extending the gauge theory -- matrix model connection to more general matter representations, we prove that for various two-index tensors of the classical gauge groups, the perturbative contributions to the glueball superpotential reduce to matrix integrals. Contributing diagrams consist of certain combinations of spheres, disks, and projective planes, which we evaluate to four and five loop order. In the case of $Sp(N)$ with antisymmetric matter, independent results are obtained by computing the nonperturbative superpotential for $N=4,6$ and 8. Comparison with the Dijkgraaf-Vafa approach reveals agreement up to $N/2$ loops in matrix model perturbation theory, with disagreement setting in at $h=N/2+1$ loops, $h$ being the dual Coxeter number. At this order, the glueball superfield $S$ begins to obey nontrivial relations due to its underlying structure as a product of fermionic superfields. We therefore find a relatively simple example of an ${\cal N}=1$ gauge theory admitting a large $N$ expansion, whose dynamically generated superpotential differs from the one obtained in the matrix model approach.Comment: 20 pages, harvmac. v2: added comments and reference

Mean-field Approach to the Derivation of Baryon Superpotential from Matrix Model

We discuss how to obtain the superpotential of the baryons and mesons for SU(N) gauge theories with N flavour matter fields from matrix integral. We apply the mean-field approximation for the matrix integral. Assuming the planar limit of the self-consistency equation, we show that the result almost agrees with the field theoretical result.Comment: rev2. ref. and related comments included, typos correcte

Gravitational F-terms of N=1 Supersymmetric Gauge Theories

We consider four-dimensional N=1 supersymmetric gauge theories in a supergravity background. We use generalized Konishi anomaly equations and R-symmetry anomaly to compute the exact perturbative and non-perturbative gravitational F-terms. We study two types of theories: The first model breaks supersymmetry dynamically, and the second is based on a $G_2$ gauge group. The results are compared with the corresponding vector models. We discuss the diagrammatic expansion of the $G_2$ theory.Comment: LaTeX2e, 23 pages, 2 figures. Added a reference and converted into JHEP styl

Branched Matrix Models and the Scales of Supersymmetric Gauge Theories

In the framework of the matrix model/gauge theory correspondence, we consider supersymmetric U(N) gauge theory with $U(1)^N$ symmetry breaking pattern. Due to the presence of the Veneziano--Yankielowicz effective superpotential, in order to satisfy the $F$--term condition $\sum_iS_i=0$, we are forced to introduce additional terms in the free energy of the corresponding matrix model with respect to the usual formulation. This leads to a matrix model formulation with a cubic potential which is free of parameters and displays a branched structure. In this way we naturally solve the usual problem of the identification between dimensionful and dimensionless quantities. Furthermore, we need not introduce the $\N=1$ scale by hand in the matrix model. These facts are related to remarkable coincidences which arise at the critical point and lead to a branched bare coupling constant. The latter plays the role of the $\N=1$ and $\N=2$ scale tuning parameter. We then show that a suitable rescaling leads to the correct identification of the $\N=2$ variables. Finally, by means of the the mentioned coincidences, we provide a direct expression for the $\N=2$ prepotential, including the gravitational corrections, in terms of the free energy. This suggests that the matrix model provides a triangulation of the istanton moduli space.Comment: 1+18 pages, harvmac. Added discussion on the CSW relative shifts of theta vacua and the odd phases at the critical point. References added and typos correcte

Perturbative Computation of Glueball Superpotentials for SO(N) and USp(N)

We use the superspace method of hep-th/0211017 to prove the matrix model conjecture for N=1 USp(N) and SO(N) gauge theories in four dimensions. We derive the prescription to relate the matrix model to the field theory computations. We perform an explicit calculation of glueball superpotentials. The result is consistent with field theory expectations.Comment: 24 pages, 10 figure

Constructing Gauge Theory Geometries from Matrix Models

We use the matrix model -- gauge theory correspondence of Dijkgraaf and Vafa in order to construct the geometry encoding the exact gaugino condensate superpotential for the N=1 U(N) gauge theory with adjoint and symmetric or anti-symmetric matter, broken by a tree level superpotential to a product subgroup involving U(N_i) and SO(N_i) or Sp(N_i/2) factors. The relevant geometry is encoded by a non-hyperelliptic Riemann surface, which we extract from the exact loop equations. We also show that O(1/N) corrections can be extracted from a logarithmic deformation of this surface. The loop equations contain explicitly subleading terms of order 1/N, which encode information of string theory on an orientifolded local quiver geometry.Comment: 52 page

Complex Curve of the Two Matrix Model and its Tau-function

We study the hermitean and normal two matrix models in planar approximation for an arbitrary number of eigenvalue supports. Its planar graph interpretation is given. The study reveals a general structure of the underlying analytic complex curve, different from the hyperelliptic curve of the one matrix model. The matrix model quantities are expressed through the periods of meromorphic generating differential on this curve and the partition function of the multiple support solution, as a function of filling numbers and coefficients of the matrix potential, is shown to be the quasiclassical tau-function. The relation to softly broken N=1 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories is discussed. A general class of solvable multimatrix models with tree-like interactions is considered.Comment: 36 pages, 10 figures, TeX; final version appeared in special issue of J.Phys. A on Random Matrix Theor

Properties of Chiral Wilson Loops

We study a class of Wilson Loops in N =4, D=4 Yang-Mills theory belonging to the chiral ring of a N=2, d=1 subalgebra. We show that the expectation value of these loops is independent of their shape. Using properties of the chiral ring, we also show that the expectation value is identically 1. We find the same result for chiral loops in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory in three, five and six dimensions. In seven dimensions, a generalized Konishi anomaly gives an equation for chiral loops which closely resembles the loop equations of the three dimensional Chern-Simons theory.Comment: 15 pages, two pictures, some references adde