L∞L_\infty-Algebra Models and Higher Chern-Simons Theories

We continue our study of zero-dimensional field theories in which the fields take values in a strong homotopy Lie algebra. In a first part, we review in detail how higher Chern-Simons theories arise in the AKSZ-formalism. These theories form a universal starting point for the construction of $L_\infty$-algebra models. We then show how to describe superconformal field theories and how to perform dimensional reductions in this context. In a second part, we demonstrate that Nambu-Poisson and multisymplectic manifolds are closely related via their Heisenberg algebras. As a byproduct of our discussion, we find central Lie $p$-algebra extensions of $\mathfrak{so}(p+2)$. Finally, we study a number of $L_\infty$-algebra models which are physically interesting and which exhibit quantized multisymplectic manifolds as vacuum solutions.Comment: 44 pages, minor corrections, published versio

Lie 2-algebra models

In this paper, we begin the study of zero-dimensional field theories with fields taking values in a semistrict Lie 2-algebra. These theories contain the IKKT matrix model and various M-brane related models as special cases. They feature solutions that can be interpreted as quantized 2-plectic manifolds. In particular, we find solutions corresponding to quantizations of R^3, S^3 and a five-dimensional Hpp-wave. Moreover, by expanding a certain class of Lie 2-algebra models around the solution corresponding to quantized R^3, we obtain higher BF-theory on this quantized space.Comment: 47 pages, presentation improved, version published in JHE

From accelerating and Poincar\'e coordinates to black holes in spacelike warped AdS3_3, and back

We first review spacelike stretched warped AdS$_3$ and we describe its black hole quotients by using accelerating and Poincar\'e coordinates. We then describe the maximal analytic extension of the black holes and present their causal diagrams. Finally, we calculate spacetime limits of the black hole phase space $(T_R,T_L)$. This is done by requiring that the identification vector $\partial_\theta$ has a finite non-zero limit. The limits we obtain are the self-dual solution in accelerating or Poincar\'e coordinates, depending respectively on whether the limiting spacetimes are non-extremal or extremal, and warped AdS with a periodic proper time identification.Comment: 43 pages, 11 figures. v4: version to appear in CQG, presentation changes (parts to appendices

On the Lie-algebraic origin of metric 3-algebras

Since the pioneering work of Bagger-Lambert and Gustavsson, there has been a proliferation of three-dimensional superconformal Chern-Simons theories whose main ingredient is a metric 3-algebra. On the other hand, many of these theories have been shown to allow for a reformulation in terms of standard gauge theory coupled to matter, where the 3-algebra does not appear explicitly. In this paper we reconcile these two sets of results by pointing out the Lie-algebraic origin of some metric 3-algebras, including those which have already appeared in three-dimensional superconformal Chern-Simons theories. More precisely, we show that the real 3-algebras of Cherkis-Saemann, which include the metric Lie 3-algebras as a special case, and the hermitian 3-algebras of Bagger-Lambert can be constructed from pairs consisting of a metric real Lie algebra and a faithful (real or complex, respectively) unitary representation. This construction generalises and we will see how to construct many kinds of metric 3-algebras from pairs consisting of a real metric Lie algebra and a faithful (real, complex or quaternionic) unitary representation. In the real case, these 3-algebras are precisely the Cherkis-Saemann algebras, which are then completely characterised in terms of this data. In the complex and quaternionic cases, they constitute generalisations of the Bagger-Lambert hermitian 3-algebras and anti-Lie triple systems, respectively, which underlie N=6 and N=5 superconformal Chern-Simons theories, respectively. In the process we rederive the relation between certain types of complex 3-algebras and metric Lie superalgebras.Comment: 29 pages (v4: really final version to appear in CMP. Example 7 has been improved.

Generalized higher gauge theory

We study a generalization of higher gauge theory which makes use of generalized geometry and seems to be closely related to double field theory. The local kinematical data of this theory is captured by morphisms of graded manifolds between the canonical exact Courant Lie 2-algebroid $TM\oplus T^*M$ over some manifold $M$ and a semistrict gauge Lie 2-algebra. We discuss generalized curvatures and their infinitesimal gauge transformations. Finite gauge transformation as well as global kinematical data are then obtained from principal 2-bundles over 2-spaces. As dynamical principle, we consider first the canonical Chern-Simons action for such a gauge theory. We then show that a previously proposed 3-Lie algebra model for the six-dimensional (2,0) theory is very naturally interpreted as a generalized higher gauge theory.Comment: 24 pages, minor corrections, typos fixed, published versio

Enhancing Teacher Credibility: What We Can Learn From the Justice and Leadership Literature

Enhanced perceptions of instructor credibility are related to positive outcomes in the classroom, including participation and learning (Chory, 2007; Frymier & Thompson, 1992; McCroskey & Teven, 1999; Myers, 2004; Teven & McCroskey, 1997). We contend that student perceptions of instructor credibility can be directly impacted by applying management research to classroom practices. In other words, actionable management research is useful in the classroom not just to share with students because it may make them better managers, but also to improve teaching practices and related outcomes. The present article explores this tenet, first discussing why we believe applied research findings can and should be transferred to the classroom and then using Implicit Leadership Theory (ILT) and organizational justice literature to demonstrate how these concepts can be generalized to the classroom environment to ultimately enhance instructor credibility

Threelogy in two parts 3-algebras in BLG models and a study of TMG solutions

This thesis is a review of research done over the course of the past 4 years, divided into two unrelated parts. The rst is set in the context of Bagger-Lambert-Gustavsson models, based on 3-Lie algebras. In particular I will describe theories with metric 3-algebras of inde nite signature: these present elds with negative kinetic terms. The problem can be solved by gaugeing away the non-physical degrees of freedom, to obtain other well understood theories. I will show how this procedure can be easily applied for 3-algebra metrics of any inde nite signature. Part II of this thesis focuses on solutions of topologically massive gravity (TMG): particular attention is devoted to warped AdS3 black holes, which are discussed in great detail. I will present a novel analysis of the near horizon geometries of these solutions. I further propose an approach for searching for new solutions to 3-dimensional gravity based on conformal symmetry. This approach is able to yield most of the known axisymmetric stationary TMG backgrounds