Higher spin JT gravity and a matrix model dual

We propose a generalization of the Saad-Shenker-Stanford duality relating matrix models and JT gravity to the case in which the bulk includes higher spin fields. Using a $\textsf{PSL}(N,\mathbb{R})$ BF theory we compute the disk and generalization of the trumpet partition function in this theory. We then study higher genus corrections and show how this differs from the usual JT gravity calculations. In particular, the usual quotient by the mapping class group is not enough to ensure finite answers and so we propose to extend this group with additional elements that make the gluing integrals finite. These elements can be thought of as large higher spin diffeomorphisms. The cylinder contribution to the spectral form factor then behaves as $T^{N-1}$ at late times $T$, signaling a deviation from conventional random matrix theory. To account for this deviation, we propose that the bulk theory is dual to a matrix model consisting of $N-1$ commuting matrices associated to the $N-1$ conserved higher spin charges. We find further evidence for the existence of the additional mapping class group elements by interpreting the bulk gauge theory geometrically and employing the formalism developed by Gomis et al. in the nineties. This formalism introduces additional (auxiliary) boundary times so that each conserved charge generates translations in those new directions. This allows us to find an explicit description for the $\textsf{PSL}(3,\mathbb{R})$ Schwarzian theory for the disk and trumpet and view the additional mapping class group elements as ordinary Dehn twists, but in higher dimensions.Comment: 44 pages, 7 figure

Comments on a state-operator correspondence for the torus

We investigate the existence of a state-operator correspondence on the torus. This correspondence would relate states of the CFT Hilbert space living on a spatial torus to the path integral over compact Euclidean manifolds with operator insertions. Unlike the states on the sphere that are associated to local operators, we argue that those on the torus would more naturally be associated to line operators. We find evidence that such a correspondence cannot exist and in particular, we argue that no compact Euclidean path integral can produce the vacuum on the torus. Our arguments come solely from field theory and formulate a CFT version of the Horowitz-Myers conjecture for the AdS soliton.Comment: 29 pages, 8 figure

An integrable road to a perturbative plateau

As has been known since the 90s, there is an integrable structure underlying two-dimensional gravity theories. Recently, two-dimensional gravity theories have regained an enormous amount of attention, but now in relation with quantum chaos - superficially nothing like integrability. In this paper, we return to the roots and exploit the integrable structure underlying dilaton gravity theories to study a late time, large $e^{S_\text{BH}}$ double scaled limit of the spectral form factor. In this limit, a novel cancellation due to the integrable structure ensures that at each genus $g$ the spectral form factor grows like $T^{2g+1}$, and that the sum over genera converges, realising a perturbative approach to the late-time plateau. Along the way, we clarify various aspects of this integrable structure. In particular, we explain the central role played by ribbon graphs, we discuss intersection theory, and we explain what the relations with dilaton gravity and matrix models are from a more modern holographic perspective.Comment: 44 pages + appendice