Yangian Symmetry at Two Loops for the su(2|1) Sector of N=4 SYM

We present the perturbative Yangian symmetry at next-to-leading order in the su(2|1) sector of planar N=4 SYM. Just like the ordinary symmetry generators, the bi-local Yangian charges receive corrections acting on several neighboring sites. We confirm that the bi-local Yangian charges satisfy the necessary conditions: they transform in the adjoint of su(2|1), they commute with the dilatation generator, and they satisfy the Serre relations. This proves that the sector is integrable at two loops.Comment: 13 pages, v2: minor correction

Algebra of Lax Connection for T-Dual Models

We study relation between T-duality and integrability. We develop the Hamiltonian formalism for principal chiral model on general group manifold and on its T-dual image. We calculate the Poisson bracket of Lax connections in T-dual model and we show that they are non-local as opposite to the Poisson brackets of Lax connection in original model. We demonstrate these calculations on two specific examples: Sigma model on S(2) and sigma model on AdS(2).Comment: 24 pages, references adde

Open strings in relativistic ion traps

Electromagnetic plane waves provide examples of time-dependent open string backgrounds free of $\alpha'$ corrections. The solvable case of open strings in a quadrupolar wave front, analogous to pp-waves for closed strings, is discussed. In light-cone gauge, it leads to non-conformal boundary conditions similar to those induced by tachyon condensates. A maximum electric gradient is found, at which macroscopic strings with vanishing tension are pair-produced -- a non-relativistic analogue of the Born-Infeld critical electric field. Kinetic instabilities of quadrupolar electric fields are cured by standard atomic physics techniques, and do not interfere with the former dynamic instability. A new example of non-conformal open-closed duality is found. Propagation of open strings in time-dependent wave fronts is discussed.Comment: 43 pages, 11 figures, Latex2e, JHEP3.cls style; v2: one-loop amplitude corrected, open-closed duality proved, refs added, miscellaneous improvements, see historical note in fil

Hidden Simplicity of Gauge Theory Amplitudes

These notes were given as lectures at the CERN Winter School on Supergravity, Strings and Gauge Theory 2010. We describe the structure of scattering amplitudes in gauge theories, focussing on the maximally supersymmetric theory to highlight the hidden symmetries which appear. Using the BCFW recursion relations we solve for the tree-level S-matrix in N=4 super Yang-Mills theory, and describe how it produces a sum of invariants of a large symmetry algebra. We review amplitudes in the planar theory beyond tree-level, describing the connection between amplitudes and Wilson loops, and discuss the implications of the hidden symmetries.Comment: 46 pages, 15 figures. v2 ref added, typos fixe