21 research outputs found
The limit of N=(2,2) superconformal minimal models
The limit of families of two-dimensional conformal field theories has
recently attracted attention in the context of AdS/CFT dualities. In our work
we analyse the limit of N=(2,2) superconformal minimal models when the central
charge approaches c=3. The limiting theory is a non-rational N=(2,2)
superconformal theory, in which there is a continuum of chiral primary fields.
We determine the spectrum of the theory, the three-point functions on the
sphere, and the disc one-point functions.Comment: 37 pages, 3 figures; v2: minor corrections in section 5.3, version to
be published in JHE
Asymptotic W-symmetries in three-dimensional higher-spin gauge theories
We discuss how to systematically compute the asymptotic symmetry algebras of
generic three-dimensional bosonic higher-spin gauge theories in backgrounds
that are asymptotically AdS. We apply these techniques to a one-parameter
family of higher-spin gauge theories that can be considered as large N limits
of SL(N) x SL(N) Chern-Simons theories, and we provide a closed formula for the
structure constants of the resulting infinite-dimensional non-linear
W-algebras. Along the way we provide a closed formula for the structure
constants of all classical W_N algebras. In both examples the higher-spin
generators of the W-algebras are Virasoro primaries. We eventually discuss how
to relate our basis to a non-primary quadratic basis that was previously
discussed in literature.Comment: 61 page
Hawking emission from quantum gravity black holes
We address the issue of modelling quantum gravity effects in the evaporation
of higher dimensional black holes in order to go beyond the usual
semi-classical approximation. After reviewing the existing six families of
quantum gravity corrected black hole geometries, we focus our work on
non-commutative geometry inspired black holes, which encode model independent
characteristics, are unaffected by the quantum back reaction and have an
analytical form compact enough for numerical simulations. We consider the
higher dimensional, spherically symmetric case and we proceed with a complete
analysis of the brane/bulk emission for scalar fields. The key feature which
makes the evaporation of non-commutative black holes so peculiar is the
possibility of having a maximum temperature. Contrary to what happens with
classical Schwarzschild black holes, the emission is dominated by low frequency
field modes on the brane. This is a distinctive and potentially testable
signature which might disclose further features about the nature of quantum
gravity.Comment: 36 pages, 18 figures, v2: updated reference list, minor corrections,
version matching that published on JHE
QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories : challenges and perspectives
We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.Peer reviewe