Super instanton counting and localization

We study the super instanton solution in the gauge theory with U$(n_{+}| n_{-})$ gauge group. Based on the ADHM construction generalized to the supergroup theory, we derive the instanton partition function from the super instanton moduli space through the equivariant localization. We derive the Seiberg-Witten geometry and its quantization for the supergroup gauge theory from the instanton partition function, and study the connection with classical and quantum integrable systems. We also argue the brane realization of the supergroup quiver gauge theory, and possible connection to the non-supergroup quiver gauge theories.Comment: 52 pages; typos correcte

Seiberg-Witten geometry of four dimensional N=2 quiver gauge theories

Seiberg-Witten geometry of mass deformed N=2 superconformal ADE quiver gauge theories in four dimensions is determined. We solve the limit shape equations derived from the gauge theory and identify the space M of vacua of the theory with the moduli space of the genus zero holomorphic (quasi)maps to the moduli space of holomorphic G-bundles on a (possibly degenerate) elliptic curve defined in terms of the microscopic gauge couplings, for the corresponding simple ADE Lie group G. The integrable systems underlying, or, rather, overlooking the special geometry of M are identified. The moduli spaces of framed G-instantons on R^2xT^2, of G-monopoles with singularities on R^2xS^1, the Hitchin systems on curves with punctures, as well as various spin chains play an important role in our story. We also comment on the higher dimensional theories. In the companion paper the quantum integrable systems and their connections to the representation theory of quantum affine algebras will be discussedComment: 197 page

Exact Results for 't Hooft Loops in Gauge Theories on S^4

The path integral of a general N=2 supersymmetric gauge theory on S^4 is exactly evaluated in the presence of a supersymmetric 't Hooft loop operator. The result we find - obtained using localization techniques - captures all perturbative quantum corrections as well as non-perturbative effects due to instantons and monopoles, which are supported at the north pole, south pole and equator of S^4. As a by-product, our gauge theory calculations successfully confirm the predictions made for 't Hooft loops obtained from the calculation of topological defect correlators in Liouville/Toda conformal field theory.Comment: 86 pages, LaTe