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A conference series on M-theory and mathematics.
These workshops bring together experts on the mathematical aspects of M-theory, the main candidate for a theory of everything, with implications to string theory and quantum field theory and interactions with geometry and algebraic topology.
on: January 12-15, 2023
at: CQTS @ New York University, Abu Dhabi
see: event webpage
(logo adapted from JMP 62 (2021) 042301)
Speakers:
Michael Duff (had to cancel last minute)
Meng-Chwan Tan (had to cancel last minute)
(from left to right: Valera, Jurčo, Berman, Alfonsi, Han, Schreiber, Mathai, Saemann, Sati, Voronov, Lambert, Bah, Tsimpis, Hull, Marrani, He, Singh, Giotopoulos, Szabo, )
Titles, Abstracts, and Slides for M-Theory & Math 2023 (in chronological order of talks delivered):
D-instanton amplitudes in string theory
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf. arXiv:2204.02981, arXiv:2207.07138
D-instantons give non-perturbative contribution to string amplitudes. While the world-sheet theory of open and closed strings gives a systematic procedure for computing these amplitudes, the analysis runs into infrared divergences that do not have any known cure within the world-sheet formalism. We describe how string field theory cures these divergences and gives an unambiguous procedure for computing D-instanton correction to string amplitudes.
A non-Lorentzian View of the M5-brane
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2011.06968, arXiv:2212.07717
In this talk we will discuss a path-integral formulation of the M5-brane (2,0) theory based upon a Lagrangian without Lorentz invariance but a novel spacetime symmetry. This provides a UV complete five-dimensional field theoretic description that we will argue admits a six-dimensional Lorentz invariance at strong coupling.
Universal accelerating cosmologies from 10d supergravity
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2210.10813
4d Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker cosmologies are obtained from time-dependent compactifications of Type IIA 10d supergravity on various classes of 6d manifolds. These cosmologies are universal in that they do not depend on the detailed features of the compactification manifold, but only on the properties which are common to all the manifolds belonging to that class. Once the equations of motion are rewritten as an appropriate dynamical system, the existence of solutions featuring a phase of accelerated expansion is made manifest. Some of the resulting cosmologies exhibit eternal or semi-eternal acceleration, whereas others allow for a parametric control on the number of -foldings. Moreover, we find several smooth accelerating cosmologies without Big Bang singularities: the universe is contracting in the cosmological past (), expanding in the future (), while in the vicinity of it becomes de Sitter in hyperbolic slicing. We also obtain several cosmologies featuring an infinite number of cycles of alternating periods of accelerated and decelerated expansions.
T-duality for loop spaces, or equivalently for the 1D sigma model
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:1405.1320
We define exotic twisted -equivariant cohomology for the loop space of a smooth manifold via the invariant differential forms on with coefficients in the (typically non-flat) holonomy line bundle of a gerbe, with differential given by an equivariantly flat superconnection. We introduce the twisted Bismut-Chern character form, a loop space refinement of the twisted Chern character form, which represent classes in the completed periodic exotic twisted -equivariant cohomology of . We establish a localisation theorem for the completed periodic exotic twisted -equivariant cohomology for loop spaces and apply it to establish T-duality in a background flux in type II String Theory from a loop space perspective. Finally we reinterpret these results as T-duality for the 1D sigma model.
Graded T-duality with H-flux for 2d sigma models
slides: pdf
cf.: arXiv:2207.03134
T-duality in string theory can be realised as a transformation acting on the worldsheet fields in the two-dimensional nonlinear sigma model. Bouwknegt-Evslin-Mathai established the T-duality in a background flux for the first time upon compactifying spacetime in one direction to a principal circle by constructing the T-dual maps transforming the twisted cohomology of the dual spacetimes. In this talk, we will describe our recent work on how to promote the T-duality maps of Bouwknegt-Evslin-Mathai in two aspects. More precisely, we will introduce (1) graded T-duality, concerning the graded T-duality maps of all levels of twistings; (2) the 2-dimensional sigma model picture, concerning the double loop space of spacetimes. This represents our joint work with Mathai.
Geometric and Non-Geometric T-duality with Higher Bundles
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2204.01783
I will introduce the notion of adjusted curvatures for higher principal bundles. These will allow me to differentially refine the description of topological T-duality by Nikolaus and Waldorf in terms of principal 2-bundles, leading to a description of full T-duality. I also discuss interesting generalizations that seem to capture the non-geometric cases.
Exact Renormalisation Group and statistical Inference
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2212.11379
The exact renormalisation group is used to describe the process of statistical inference in the Bayesian sense.
Machine-Learning Mathematical Structures
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2101.06317
We present a number of recent experiments on how various standard machine-learning algorithms can help with pattern detection across disciplines ranging from string theory, to algebraic geometry, to representation theory, to combinatorics, and to number theory.
We speculate on whether there is an inherent hierarchy of “difficulty” in mathematics reflected by data. At the heart of the programme is the question how does AI help with mathematical discovery.
An introduction to decomposition
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2204.09117
In this talk I will review work on ‘decomposition’, a property of 2d theories with 1-form symmetries and, more generally, d-dim’l theories with -form symmetries. Decomposition is the observation that such quantum field theories are equivalent to (‘decompose into’) disjoint unions of other QFTs, known in this context as “universes”.
Examples include two-dimensional gauge theories and orbifolds with matter invariant under a subgroup of the gauge group. Decomposition explains and relates several physical properties of these theories – for example, restrictions on allowed instantons arise as a “multiverse interference effect” between contributions from constituent universes.
First worked out in 2006 as part of efforts to understand string propagation on stacks, decomposition has been the driver of a number of developments since. I will walk through general aspects of 2d gauge theories that exhibit decomposition, dive into specifics in orbifold examples, and as time permits, discuss recent work in progress.
D-branes and doubled geometry
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:1910.09997
We formulate the open string version of the Born sigma-model and describe its conformal boundary conditions. This leads to a general characterisation of D-branes in doubled geometry as maximally isotropic sub-bundles on a para-Hermitian manifold. The reduction of D-branes to a physical spacetime is obtained by describing them as Dirac structures. We also introduce a para-complex counterpart of the generalised complex branes of generalised geometry.
Charges and Duality in Gravity
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf. arXiv:2209.11716 and refs here
on exotic D=6 supergravity
Correspondences of Quantum Algebras (BV-theories)
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:1912.06695, arXiv:2002.11168
The quantum odd symplectic "category" is constructed from the odd symplectic “category” via an enhancement of Lagrangian relations (correspondences) by half-densities. We extend this approach to the (finite-dimensional) setting of the Batalin-Vilkovisky quantum field theories (quantum L-infinity algebras). We discuss the effective observables of perturbative quantum field theory and the homological perturbation lemma from this point of view.
Matrix Quantization of Classical Nambu Brackets and Super -Branes
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2103.06666
We will present an explicit matrix algebra quantization of the algebra of volume-preserving diffeomorphisms of the -torus. That is, we approximate the corresponding classical Nambu brackets using -matrices equipped with the finite bracket given by the completely anti-symmetrized matrix product, such that the classical brackets are retrieved in the limit. We then apply this approximation to the super 4-brane in 9 dimensions and give a regularized action in analogy with the matrix quantization of the supermembrane. This action exhibits a reduced gauge symmetry that we discuss from the viewpoint of -algebras in a slight generalization to the construction of Lie 2-algebras from Bagger-Lambert 3-algebras.
Non-invertible symmetry, holography and branes
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2208.07373
In this talk I will discuss some general methods for realizing topological symmetry generators in holography. In particular I will present a specific realization of non-invertible symmetry generators and their fusion rules in holographic duals of SYM. This will be both from a bottom-up perspective from an effective theory in , and from a top-down perspective in terms of D-branes in backgrounds.
M-theory and matter via Twisted Equivariant Differential (TED) K-theory
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2206.13563
Various flavors of K-theory play an important role in geometric/topological perspectives on string theory. Ultimately, the twisted equivariant differential (TED) version of K-theory would be what is needed to describe fields and branes in the most general backgrounds. However, this theory has not been constructed yet, but major progress has been made in that direction requiring highly nontrivial machinery. I will describe the main conceptual points here. I will also explain how TED K-theory enters naturally into condensed matter (topological phases) and highlight analogies with high energy physics. All of this embeds in M-theory via Hypothesis H, both from physical and mathematical perspectives.
Topological Quantum Gates from M-Theory
notes: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2203.11838
The promising idea that strongly coupled quantum systems such as (confined QCD or) topologically ordered quantum materials are usefully modeled as worldvolume dynamics on intersecting branes in string theory has been suffering from the latter’s lack of non-perturbative formulation (M-theory), necessary in the realistic regime of small numbers of individual branes (i.e. beyond the usual holographic large- approximation). In this talk I will briefly review our “Hypothesis H” that brane charge in M-theory is quantized in a twisted equivariant non-abelian generalized cohomology theory called Cohomotopy, where M-brane quantum states are identified inside the twisted equivariant cohomology of the Cohomotopy moduli stack. Then I explain our recent derivation, from this assumption, of anyonic topological order in ground states of M5-brane intersections; and I close with an outlook on how this describes topological quantum logic gates via braiding of defect branes.
The symmetry of dimensional reductions of M-theory
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2111.14810, arXiv:2212.13968
Hisham Sati and I, on the way to revealing the mystery of 2001 Mysterious Duality of Iqbal, Neitzke, and Vafa, generalized hypothesis H and presented a universal target for each dimensional reduction of M-theory. Each of these targets has the dynamics of supergravity embedded into its structure. The target for -dimensional M-theory also has an action of the Lie algebra of type , responsible for symmetries of -dim supergravity along with its equations of motion in any spacetime.
Exceptional super Yang-Mills in and worldvolume M-theory
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:1906.10709
Some time ago, Bars and Sezgin proposed a super Yang-Mills theory in space-time dimensions, with an electric 3-brane that generalizes the 2-brane of M-theory. More recently, Rios, Chester and the speaker found an infinite family of “exceptional” super Yang-Mills theories in . A particularly interesting case occurs for , namely in signature , in which the superalgebra is centrally extended by an electric 11-brane and its 15-brane magnetic dual. The worldvolume symmetry of the 11-brane has signature and can reproduce super Yang-Mills theory in D=. Upon reduction to , the 11-brane reduces to a 10-brane with worldvolume signature. A single time projection gives a worldvolume signature, and it can serve as a model for M-theory as a reduction from the signature of the bosonic M-theory of Horowitz and Susskind; this is further confirmed by the reduction of chiral , superalgebra to the superalgebra in , as found by Rudychev, Sezgin and Sundell some time ago. Extending previous results of Dijkgraaf, Verlinde and Verlinde, I will also put forward the realization of spinors as total cohomologies of (the largest spatially extended) branes which centrally extend the superalgebra underlying the corresponding “exceptional” super Yang-Mills theory. Moreover, by making use of an “anomalous” Dynkin embedding, I will present further evidence about Ramond‘s and Sati’s argument that M-theory has hidden Cayley plane fibers.
Derived -plectic geometry: towards non-perturbative BV-BFV quantisation and M-theory
cf.: arXiv:2307.15106
slides: pdf
video: YT
In this talk I will propose the notion of derived -plectic geometry and show that a classical BV-BFV theory can be globally reformulated in this framework.
A derived -plectic structure is a derived and categorified generalisation of a symplectic structure, where the usual closed 2-form is replaced by a shifted closed -form on a derived space. I will argue that derived -plectic geometry is to classical BV-BFV theory as ordinary -plectic geometry is to ordinary Lagrangian field theory. I will also discuss the rich homotopy-algebraic structure of observables of a derived -plectic space. Finally, I will point at promising applications of this formalism to non-perturbative quantisation of BV-BFV theories and to global aspects of M-theory.
on: January 27-30, 2020
at: Research Institute of New York University, Abu Dhabi
see: event webpage
and: mtheorymath.org
Confirmed speakers:
Abstracts, Slides and Talk notes:
video: YT
Lie superalgebra deformations and d=11 supergravity backgrounds
slides: pdf
video: YT
To every (supersymmetric) background of d=11 supergravity there is associated a filtered Lie superalgebra. For ()-BPS backgrounds, this Lie superalgebra determines the background up to local isometry. I will then report on an algebraic reformulation of this classification problem. This is joint work with Andrea Santi.
Off-shell Supersymmetry and the M-theory Effective Action
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2101.11671
M-theory and cohomotopy
slides: pdf
Cohomotopy theory has recently emerged as the proper generalized cohomology theory to describe the fields in M-theory. It is hoped that viewing M-theory from a mathematical perspective will shed the light on the nature of the theory and will allow for progress. I will survey this area, illustrating how cohomotopy captures the nature of the C-field and its dual as well as of the M-branes, allows for cancellation of various anomalies, and provides a firm grounding for further study of M-theory. This is joint work Urs Schreiber and Domenico Fiorenza.
Microscopic Brane Physics from Cohomotopy
slides: pdf
video: YT
As reviewed in H. Sati‘s talk, assuming that the C-field is charge-quantized in the generalized cohomology theory called J-twisted Cohomotopy (“Hypothesis H”) implies a list of M-theoretic anomaly cancellation conditions, such as shifted C-field flux quantization, DMW anomaly cancellation and C-field tadpole cancellation on 8-manifolds. In this talk I review the further geometric refinement of the cohomology theory to equivariant Cohomotoy theory and to differential Cohomotopy theory. Now we find that Hypothesis H implies also the Witten mechanism of multiple M5-branes on MO5-orientifolds in heterotic M-theory on ADE-orbifolds, hence RR-field tadpole cancellation in type I' string theory; as well as a multitude of effects associated with Dp/D(p+2)-brane intersections: Chan-Paton factors, BMN matrix model fuzzy funnel states and BLG 3-algebras, the Hanany-Witten rules, AdS3-gravity observables, supersymmetric indices of Coulomb branches as well as gauge/gravity duality between all these. This suggests that Hypothesis H is a correct assumption about the elusive mathematical fomulation of M-theory.
This is joint work with H. Sati (arxiv:1909.12277, arxiv:1912.10425).
Dualities, K3, Exotic Branes and Orientifolds
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:1907.04040
Exceptional Field Theories and AdS Compactifications
video: YT
Supergravity in a pencil
slides: pdf slides
video: YT
In the spirit of the gauge-gravity correspondence, we derive a 2+1 dimensional model with “unconventional” supersymmetry at the boundary of a 4-dimensional Anti de Sitter N-extended supergravity, which in the case N=2 reproduces the AVZ model [P.D. Alvarez, M. Valenzuela, J. Zanelli, JHEP 1204 (2012) 058, arXiv:1109.3944 hep-th]. The extended supersymmetry of the boundary model is instrumental to describe the electronic properties of graphene, in particular at the two Dirac points. The two valleys correspond to the two independent sectors of the OSp(p|2)×OSp(q|2) boundary model in the p=q case, which are related by a parity transformation. The Semenoff and the Haldane masses entering the corresponding Dirac equations for the graphene pseudoparticles are identified with supergravity torsion parameters.
Lagrangians with Supersymmetry
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:1908.10752
We will discuss free and interacting six-dimensional actions which admit supersymmetry including their application to abelian and non-abelian M5-branes.
Towards an M5-Brane Model: Progress Report
video: YT
Twisted Cohomotopy implies level quantization of the 6d WZ term of the M5-brane
slides: pdf
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:1906.07417
The 6d Wess-Zumino term in the action functional for the M5-brane is anomalous as traditionally defined. What has been missing is a condition implying a higher analogue of level quantization familiar from the 2d Wess-Zumino term. We prove that such an anomaly cancellation condition is implied by the hypothesis that the C-field is charge-quantized in twisted Cohomotopy theory. The proof follows by a twisted/parametrized generalization of the Hopf invariant, after identifying the 6d Wess-Zumino term with a twisted homotopy Whitehead integral formula, which we establish. Joint work with Hisham Sati and Urs Schreiber, arXiv:1906.07417.
Strings, Branes, and Boltzmann machines
video: YT
Universes as Bigdata
slides: pdf
video: YT
We review how historically the problem of string phenomenology lead theoretical physics first to algebraic/differential geometry, and then to computational geometry, and now to data science and AI. With the concrete playground of the Calabi-Yau landscape, accumulated by the collaboration of physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists over the last 4 decades, we show how the latest techniques in machine-learning can help explore problems of physical and mathematical interest.
T-Duality, loop spaces and Witten gerbe modules
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:2001.00322
What do SYM domain walls look like?
video: TY
cf.: arXiv:2004.11232
Gravitational waves from soft theorem
video: YT
cf.: arXiv:1912.06413
on the soft graviton theorem
Last revised on July 31, 2023 at 07:31:23. See the history of this page for a list of all contributions to it.