Integrable Wilson loops in ABJM: a $Y$-system computation of the cusp anomalous dimension

Abstract

We study the integrability properties of Wilson loops in the ${\cal N}=6$ three-dimensional Chern-Simons-matter (ABJM) theory. We begin with the construction of an open spin chain that describes the anomalous dimensions of operators inserted along the contour of a 1/2 BPS Wilson loop. Moreover, we compute the all-loop reflection matrices that govern the interaction of spin-chain excitations with the boundary, including their dressing factors, and we check them against weak- and strong-coupling results. Furthermore, we propose a $Y$-system of equations for the cusped Wilson line of ABJM, and we use it to reproduce the one-loop cusp anomalous dimension of ABJM from a leading-order finite-size correction. Finally, we write a set of BTBA equations consistent with the $Y$-system proposal.Comment: 44 pages, 2 figures; v2: clarifications added and typos corrected. Version to appear in JHE