Action principle for OPE

We formulate an "action principle" for the operator product expansion (OPE) describing how a given OPE coefficient changes under a deformation induced by a marginal or relevant operator. Our action principle involves no ad-hoc regulator or renormalization and applies to general (Euclidean) quantum field theories. It implies a natural definition of the renormalization group flow for the OPE coefficients and of coupling constants. When applied to the case of conformal theories, the action principle gives a system of coupled dynamical equations for the conformal data. The last result has also recently been derived (without considering tensor structures) independently by Behan (arXiv:1709.03967) using a different argument. Our results were previously announced and outlined at the meetings "In memoriam Rudolf Haag" in September 2016 and the "Wolfhart Zimmermann memorial symposium" in May 2017.Comment: 29 pages, 5 figures, based on conference talks at the meetings "In memoriam Rudolf Haag" in September 2016 and the "Wolfhart Zimmermann memorial symposium" in May 2017; v2: details added concerning geometry of field redefinitions, discussion of degeneracies and normalization issues, references edited, other minor editorial changes, v3: edited para on invariant 2-point tensor structure

Relative entropy for coherent states in chiral CFT

We consider the relative entropy between the vacuum state and a state obtained by applying an exponentiated stress tensor to the vacuum of a chiral conformal field theory on the lightray. The smearing function of the stress tensor can be viewed as a vector field on the real line generating a diffeomorphism. We show that the relative entropy is equal to $c$ times the so-called Schwarzian action of the diffeomorphism. As an application of this result, we obtain a formula for the relative entropy between the vacuum and a solitonic state.Comment: v2: 19pp, no figures. Extended more detailed version of v1, stronger results, refs. edited, minor presentation change

Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics and Conformal Field Theory

We present a model independent, operator algebraic approach to non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics within the framework of two-dimensional Conformal Field Theory. Two infinite reservoirs in equilibrium at their own temperatures and chemical potentials are put in contact through a defect line, possibly by inserting a probe. As time evolves, the composite system then approaches a non-equilibrium steady state that we describe. In particular, we re-obtain recent formulas of Bernard and Doyon.Comment: 19 pages, 3 figure