Scattering amplitudes in planar N=4 super Yang-Mills theory reveal a remarkable symmetry structure. In addition to the superconformal symmetry of the Lagrangian of the theory, the planar amplitudes exhibit a dual superconformal symmetry. The presence of this additional symmetry imposes strong restrictions on the amplitudes and is connected to a duality relating scattering amplitudes to Wilson loops defined on polygonal light-like contours. The combination of the superconformal and dual superconformal symmetries gives rise to a Yangian, an algebraic structure which is known to be related to the appearance of integrability in other regimes of the theory. We discuss two dual formulations of the symmetry and address the classification of its invariants.
Bethe ansatz equations have been proposed for the asymptotic spectral problem of AdS_4/CFT_3. This proposal assumes integrability, but the previous verification of weak-coupling integrability covered only the su(4) sector of the ABJM gauge theory. Here we derive the complete planar two-loop dilatation generator of N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons theory from osp(6|4) superconformal symmetry. For the osp(4|2) sector, we prove integrability through a Yangian construction. We argue that integrability extends to the full planar two-loop dilatation generator, confirming the applicability of the Beth…
Aspects of the D=4, N=4 superconformal symmetry relevant to the AdS/CFT duality and integrability are reviewed. These include the Lie superalgebra psu(2,2|4), its representations, conformal transformations and correlation functions in N=4 super Yang-Mills theory as well as an illustration of the AdS5xS5 superspace on which the dual string theory is formulated.
We study the integrability properties of planar N=2 superconformal field theories in four dimensions. We show that the spin chain associated to the planar dilation operator of N=2 superconformal QCD fails to be integrable at two loops. In our analysis we focus on a closed SU(2|1) sector, whose two-loop spin chain we fix by symmetry arguments (up to a few undetermined coefficients). It turns out that the Yang-Baxter equation for magnon scattering is not satisfied in this sector. On the other hand, we suggest that the closed SU(2,1|2) sector, which exists in any N=2 superconformal gauge theory, …
We make contact between the infinite-dimensional non-local symmetry of the typeIIB superstring on AdS5xS5 worldsheet theory and a non-abelian infinite-dimensional symmetry algebra for the weakly coupled superconformal gauge theory. We explain why the planar limit of the one-loop dilatation operator is the Hamiltonian of a spin chain, and show that it commutes with the g*2 N = 0 limit of the non-abelian charges.
We review the role of integrability in certain aspects of N=4 SYM which go beyond the planar spectrum. In particular, we discuss integrability in relation to non-planar anomalous dimensions, multi-point functions and Maldacena-Wilson loops.
We review the study of Hopf algebras, classical and quantum R-matrices, infinite-dimensional Yangian symmetries and their representations in the context of integrability for the N=4 vs AdS5xS5 correspondence.
The aim of the chapter is to introduce in a pedagogical manner the concept of Thermodynamic Bethe Ansatz designed to calculate the energy levels of finite volume integrable systems and to review how it is applied in the planar AdS/CFT setting.
We review recent applications of the integrable discrete Hirota dynamics (Y-system) in the context of calculation of the planar AdS/CFT spectrum. We start from the description of solution of Hirota equations by the Backlund method where the requirement of analyticity results in the nested Bethe ansatz equations. Then we discuss applications of the Hirota dynamics for the analysis of the asymptotic limit of long operators in the AdS/CFT Y-system.
We review current efficient techniques for the construction of multi-leg and multi-loop on-shell scattering amplitudes in supersymmetric gauge theories. Examples in the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions are included.
Any N=2 superconformal gauge theory (including N=4 SYM) contains a set of local operators made only out of fields in the N=2 vector multiplet that is closed under renormalization to all loops, namely the SU(2,1|2) sector. For planar N=4 SYM the spectrum of local operators can be obtained by mapping the problem to an integrable model (a spin chain in perturbation theory), in principle for any value of the coupling constant. We present a diagrammatic argument that for any planar N=2 superconformal gauge theory the SU(2,1|2) Hamiltonian acting on infinite spin chains is identical to all loops to …
There is a growing amount of evidence that QCD (and four-dimensional gauge theories in general) possess a hidden symmetry which does not exhibit itself as a symmetry of classical Lagrangians but is only revealed on the quantum level. In this review we consider the scale dependence of local gauge invariant operators and high-energy (Regge) behavior of scattering amplitudes to explain that the effective QCD dynamics in both cases is described by completely integrable systems that prove to be related to the celebrated Heisenberg spin chain and its generalizations.
We review basic examples of classical string solutions in AdS5xS5. We concentrate on simplest rigid closed string solutions of circular or folded type described by integrable 1-d Neumann system but mention also various generalizations and related open-string solutions.
This review is devoted to the classical integrability of the AdS5xS5 superstring theory. It starts with a reminder of the corresponding action as a coset model. The symmetries of this action are then reviewed. The classical integrability is then considered from the lagrangian and hamiltonian points of view. The second part of this review deals with the gauge fixing of this theory. Finally, some aspects of the pure spinor formulation are also briefly reviewed.
In the framework of six-dimensional conformal field theories with ${\cal N}=(1,0)$ supersymmetry we develop the map between the holographic description, the field theoretical description and the associated Hanany-Witten set-ups. General expressions that calculate various observables are presented. The study of string solitons singles out a special background of Massive IIA on which we show (by explicitly finding a Lax pair) that the Neveu-Schwarz part of the string sigma model is classically integrable. We study the particular dual conformal field theory and compute some of its observables.
We review the computation of scattering amplitudes of planar maximally super-symmetric Yang-Mills at strong coupling. By using the AdS/CFT duality the problem boils down to the computation of the area of certain minimal surfaces on AdS. The integrability of the model can then be efficiently used in order to give an answer for the problem in terms of a set of integral equations.
We review the role of integrability in the planar spectral problem of four-dimensional superconformal gauge theories besides N=4 SYM. The cases considered include the Leigh-Strassler marginal deformations of N=4 SYM, quiver theories which arise as orbifolds of AdS5xS5 on the dual gravity side, as well as various theories involving open spin chains.
In this contribution we briefly review recent developments in the theory of long-range integrable spin chains. These spin chains constitute a natural generalisation of the well-studied integrable nearest-neighbour chains and are of particular relevance to the integrability in the AdS/CFT correspondence since the dilatation operator in the asymptotic region is conjectured to be a Hamiltonian of an integrable long-range psu spin chain.
We review the semiclassical analysis of strings in AdS5xS5 with a focus on the relationship to the underlying integrable structures. We discuss the perturbative calculation of energies for strings with large charges, using the folded string spinning in an AdS3 subset of AdS5 as our main example. Furthermore, we review the perturbative light-cone quantization of the string theory and the calculation of the worldsheet S-matrix.
We revisit unitary representation of centrally extended (2 | 2) excitation superalgebra. We find most generally that `pseudo-momentum', not lattice momentum, diagonalizes spin chain Hamiltonian and leads to generalized dynamic spin chain. All known results point to lattice momentum diagonalization for N=4 super Yang-Mills theory. Having different interacting structure, we ask if N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons theory provides an example of pseudo-momentum diagonalization. For SO(6) sector, we study maximal shuffling and next-to-maximal shuffling terms in the dilatation operator and compare the…
In this chapter of "Review of AdS/CFT Integrability" we introduce N=4 Super Yang-Mills. We discuss the global superalagebra PSU(2,2|4) and its action on gauge invariant operators. We then discuss the computation of the correlators of certain gauge invariant operators, the so-called single trace operators in the large N limit. We show that interactions in the gauge theory lead to mixing of the operators. We compute this mixing at the one-loop level and show that the problem maps to a one-dimensional spin chain with nearest neighbor interactions. For operators in the SU(2) sector we show that th…
The one-dimensional Heisenberg XXX spin chain appears in a special limit of the AdS/CFT integrable system. We review various ways of proving its integrability, and discuss the associated methods of solution. In particular, we outline the coordinate and the algebraic Bethe ansatz, giving reference to literature suitable for learning these techniques. Finally we speculate which of the methods might lift to the exact solution of the AdS/CFT system, and sketch a promising method for constructing the Baxter Q-operator of the XXX chain. It allows to find the spectrum of the model using certain algeb…
We review the computation of the anomalous dimension of twist operators in the planar limit of N=4 SYM using the asymptotic Bethe ansatz and demonstrate how this quantity is obtained at weak, strong and intermediate values of the coupling constant. The anomalous dimension of twist operators in the limit of large Lorentz spin played a major role in the construction as well as in many tests of the asymptotic Bethe equations, this aspect of the story is emphasised.
We review the duality and integrability of N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons theory in three dimensions and IIA superstring theory on the background AdS4xCP3. We introduce both of these models and describe how their degrees of freedom are mapped to excitations of a long-range integrable spin-chain. Finally, we discuss the properties of the Bethe equations, the S-matrix and the algebraic curve that are special to this correspondence and differ from the case of N=4 SYM theory and strings on AdS5xS5.
We review the spectral curve for the classical string in AdS5xS5. Classical integrability of the AdS5xS5 string implies the existence of a flat connection, whose monodromies generate an infinite set of conserved charges. The spectral curve is constructed out of the quasi-momenta, which are eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix, and each finite-gap classical solution can be characterized in terms of such a curve. This provides a concise and powerful description of the classical solution space. In addition, semi-classical quantization of the string can be performed in terms of the quasi-momenta. W…
We discuss the properties of scattering amplitudes in a conformal bi-scalar fishnet theory that previously appeared in the study of integrable deformations of $\mathcal N=4$ SYM. In distinction with the latter theory, the scattering amplitudes in the conformal fishnet theory do not suffer from infrared divergences and possess enhanced symmetries. We demonstrate that for the simplest four-particle scattering the single- and double-trace partial amplitudes can be computed for arbitrary coupling in the leading color approximation. We also review the invariance of single-trace components of multi-…
In integrable quantum field theories the large volume spectrum is given by the Bethe Ansatz. The leading corrections, due to virtual particles circulating around the cylinder, are encoded in so-called Luscher corrections. In order to apply these techniques to the AdS/CFT correspondence one has to generalize these corrections to the case of generic dispersion relations and to multiparticle states. We review these various generalizations and the applications of Luscher's corrections to the study of the worldsheet QFT of the superstring in AdS5xS5 and, consequently, to anomalous dimensions of ope…
We review the constructions and tests of the dilatation operator and of the spectrum of composite operators in the flavour SU(2) subsector of N=4 SYM in the planar limit by explicit Feynman graph calculations with emphasis on analyses beyond one loop. From four loops on, the dilatation operator determines the spectrum only in the asymptotic regime, i.e. to a loop order which is strictly smaller than the number of elementary fields of the composite operators. We review also the calculations which take a first step beyond this limitation by including the leading wrapping corrections.
The quantum SUSY N=1 hierarchy based on $sl(2|1)^{(2)}$ twisted affine superalgebra is considered. The construction of the corresponding Baxter's Q-operators and fusion relations is outlined. The relation with the superconformal field theory is discussed.
We discuss 2d duality transformations in the classical AdS5 x S5 superstring and their effect on the integrable structure. T-duality along four directions in Poincare parametrization of AdS5 maps the bosonic part of the superstring action into itself. On bosonic level, this duality may be understood as a symmetry of the first-order (phase space) system of equations for the coset components of the current. The associated Lax connection is invariant modulo the action of an so(2,4)-automorphism. We then show that this symmetry extends to the full superstring, provided one supplements the transfor…
We review the derivation of the S-matrix for planar N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and type IIB superstring theory on an AdS5xS5 background. After deriving the S-matrix for the su(2) and su(3) sectors at the one-loop level based on coordinate Bethe ansatz, we show how su(2|2) symmetry leads to the exact asymptotic S-matrix up to an overall scalar function. We then briefly review the spectrum of bound states by relating these states to simple poles of the S-matrix. Finally, we review the derivation of the asymptotic Bethe equations, which can be used to determine the asymptotic multiparti…
After a short review of the algebraic setting of N=2 superconformal field theories, their chiral ring and their perturbations, I present some recent results on curious relations between the integrability of their perturbations and algebraic properties of their deformed chiral ring. (Lecture given at Hang-zhou, China, Sept 1993)
Constraints of the osp(6|4) symmetry on tree-level scattering amplitudes in N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons theory are derived. Supplemented by Feynman diagram calculations, solutions to these constraints, namely the four- and six-point superamplitudes, are presented and shown to be invariant under Yangian symmetry. This introduces integrability into the amplitude sector of the theory.
We investigate (1,0)-superconformal Toda theories based on simple Lie algebras and find that the classical integrability properties of the underlying bosonic theories do not survive. For several models based on algebras of low rank, we show explicitly that none of the conserved W-algebra generators can be generalized to the supersymmetric case. Using these results we deduce that at least one W-algebra generator fails to generalize in any model based on a classical Lie algebra. This argument involves a method for relating the bosonic Toda theories and their conserved currents within each classi…
We show that the string worldsheet theory of Gaiotto-Maldacena holographic duals to N=2 superconformal field theories generically fails to be classically integrable. We demonstrate numerically that the dynamics of a winding string configuration possesses a non-vanishing Lyapunov exponent. Furthermore an analytic study of the Normal Variational Equation fails to yield a Liouvillian solution. An exception to the generic non-integrability of such backgrounds is provided by the non-Abelian T-dual of $AdS_5 \times S^5$. Here by virtue of the canonical transformation nature of the T-duality classica…
We perform a detailed study of the Yangian symmetry of smooth supersymmetric Maldacena-Wilson loops in planar N=4 super Yang-Mills theory. This hidden symmetry extends the global superconformal symmetry present for these observables. A gauge-covariant action of the Yangian generators on the Wilson line is established that generalizes previous constructions built upon path variations. Employing these generators the Yangian symmetry is proven for general paths in non-chiral N=4 superspace at the first perturbative order. The bi-local piece of the level-one generators requires the use of a regula…
N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons theory with gauge group U(M)xU(N)} is dual to N M2-branes and (M-N) fractional M2-branes, equivalently, discrete 3-form holonomy at C4/Zk orbifold singularity. We show that, much like its regular counterpart of M=N, the theory at planar limit have integrability structure in the conformal dimension spectrum of single trace operators. We first revisit the Yang-Baxter equation for a spin chain system associated with the single trace operators. We show that the integrability by itself does not preclude parity symmetry breaking. We construct two-parameter family of p…
In recent years two intriguing observations have been made for N=4 super Yang-Mills theory and for superstrings on AdS5xS5: In the planar limit the computation of the spectrum is vastly simplified by the apparent integrability of the models. Furthermore, planar scattering amplitudes of the gauge theory display remarkable features which have been attributed to the appearance of a dual superconformal symmetry. Here we review the connection of these two developments from the point of view of the classical symmetry by means of a super-T-self-duality. In particular, we show explicitly how the charg…
We discuss the possible relationship between geodesic flow, integrability and supersymmetry, using fermionic extensions of the KdV equation, as well as the recently introduced supersymmetrisation of the Camassa-Holm equation, as illustrative examples.
The canonical formulation of d=2, N=16 supergravity is presented. We work out the supersymmetry generators (including all higher order spinor terms) and the N=16 superconformal constraint algebra. We then describe the construction of the conserved non-local charges associated with the affine E_9 symmetry of the classical equations of motion. These charges are shown to commute weakly with the supersymmetry constraints, and hence with all other constraints. Under commutation, they close into a quadratic algebra of Yangian type, which is formally the same as that of the bosonic theory. The Lie-Po…
We study the anomalous dimensions for scalar operators in ABJM theory in the SU(2) sector. The operators we consider have a classical dimension that grows as N in the large N limit. Consequently, the large N limit is not captured by summing planar diagrams - non-planar contributions have to be included. We find that the mixing matrix at two-loop order is diagonalized using a double coset ansatz, reducing it to the Hamiltonian of a set of decoupled oscillators. The spectrum of anomalous dimensions, when interpreted in the dual gravity theory, shows that the energy of the fluctuations of the cor…
Various recently developed connections between supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories in four dimensions and two dimensional integrable systems serve as crucial ingredients in improving our understanding of the AdS/CFT correspondence. In this review, we highlight some connections between superconformal four dimensional Yang-Mills theory and various integrable systems. In particular, we focus on the role of Yangian symmetries in studying the gauge theory dual of closed string excitations. We also briefly review how the gauge theory connects to Calogero models and open quantum spin chains through th…
This is the introductory chapter of a review collection on integrability in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence. In the collection we present an overview of the achievements and the status of this subject as of the year 2010.
In this paper we review recent results on symmetries in N=4 super Yang-Mills theory. Symmetries are of invaluable help in studying and constraining the scattering amplitudes, and there has been a lot of progress in recent years concerning this topic. It has been realised that the ordinary superconformal symmetry is not the full symmetry of this theory. There is indeed a dual superconformal symmetry, and together they form a Yangian structure, pointing to the underlying integrability of the theory. Here we give an overview of the Yangian algebra and of its action on the scattering amplitudes, a…
We analyze in detail the relation between an exactly marginal deformation of N=4 SYM - the Leigh-Strassler or ``beta-deformation'' - and its string theory dual (recently constructed in hep-th/0502086) by comparing energies of semiclassical strings to anomalous dimensions of gauge-theory operators in the two-scalar sector. We stress the existence of integrable structures on the two sides of the duality. In particular, we argue that the integrability of strings in AdS_5 x S^5 implies the integrability of the deformed world sheet theory with real deformation parameter. We compare the fast string …
In 2008, Aharony, Bergman, Jafferis, and Maldacena (ABJM) discovered a three-dimensional Chern-Simons theory with N = 6 supersymmetry and conjectured that in a certain limit, this theory is dual to type IIA string theory on AdS4xCP3. Since then, a great deal of evidence has been accumulated which suggests that the ABJM theory is integrable in the planar limit. Integrability is a very useful property that allows many physical observables, such as anomalous dimensions and scattering amplitudes, to be computed efficiently. In the first half of this thesis, we will explain how to use integrabilty …
We consider twist-1, 2 operators in planar N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons ABJM theory. We derive higher order anomalous dimensions from integrability and test various QCD-inspired predictions known to hold in N=4 SYM. In particular, we show that the asymptotic anomalous dimensions display intriguing remnants of Gribov-Lipatov reciprocity and Low-Burnett-Kroll logarithmic cancellations. Wrapping effects are also discussed and shown to be subleading at large spin.
We study SU(N) plane-wave matrix theory up to fourth perturbative order in its large N planar limit. The effective Hamiltonian in the closed su(2) subsector of the model is explicitly computed through a specially tailored computer program to perform large scale distributed symbolic algebra and generation of planar graphs. The number of graphs here was in the deep billions. The outcome of our computation establishes the four-loop integrability of the planar plane-wave matrix model. To elucidate the integrable structure we apply the recent technology of the perturbative asymptotic Bethe Ansatz t…
We attempt to systematically derive tree-level scattering amplitudes in four-dimensional, planar, maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory from integrability. We first review the connections between integrable spin chains, Yangian invariance, and the construction of such invariants in terms of Grassmannian contour integrals. Building upon these results, we equip a class of Grassmannian integrals for general symmetry algebras with unitary integration contours. These contours emerge naturally by paying special attention to the proper reality conditions of the algebras. Specializing to psu(2,2|…
AdS_4/CFT_3 duality relating IIA string theory on AdS_4 x CP^3 to N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons theory provides an arena for studying aspects of integrability in a new potentially exactly solvable system. In this paper we explore the tree-level worldsheet scattering for strings on AdS_4 x CP^3. We compute all bosonic four-, five- and six-point amplitudes in the gauge-fixed action and demonstrate the absence of particle production.
This article reviews the application of integrability to the spectral problem of strings on AdS_5 x S^5 and its deformations. We begin with a pedagogical introduction to integrable field theories culminating in the description of their finite-volume spectra through the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz. Next, we apply these ideas to the AdS_5 x S^5 string and in later chapters discuss how to account for particular integrable deformations. Through the AdS/CFT correspondence this gives an exact description of anomalous scaling dimensions of single trace operators in planar N=4 supersymmetry Yang-Mills …
This is a pedagogical review on the integrability-based approach to the three-point function in N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. We first discuss the computation of the structure constant at weak coupling and show that the result can be recast as a sum over partitions of the rapidities of the magnons. We then introduce a non-perturbative framework, called the "hexagon approach", and explain how one can use the symmetries (i.e. superconformal and gauge symmetries) and integrability to determine the structure constants. This article is based on the lectures given in Les Houches Summer Schoo…
The thesis is devoted to abstract, geometric and symmetric aspects of modern elementary particle theories. A new direction in constructing supersymmetric and superstring models based on consequent and strong consideration and inclusion of semigroups, ideals and noninvertible properties into their mathematical structure is proposed. A theory of semisupermanifolds (Chapter I) and noninvertible generalization of superconformal (Chapters II-III) and hyperbolic geometries (Chapter V) are introduced. New continuous supermatrix representations of semigroups (Chapter IV) are obtained. The carried out …
We study the properties of conformal operators in the SL(2) sector of planar N=4 SYM and its supersymmetric SL(2|2) extension. The correlation functions of these operators and their form factors with respect to asymptotic on-shell states are determined in the appropriate limit by two different polynomials which can be identified as eigenstates of the dilatation operator in the coordinate and momentum representations, respectively. We argue that, in virtue of integrability of the dilatation operator, the two polynomials satisfy a duality relation -- they are proportional to each other upon an a…
We employ the light-cone formalism to construct in the (super) Yang-Mills theories in the multi-color limit the one-loop dilatation operator acting on single trace products of chiral superfields separated by light-like distances. In the N=4 Yang-Mills theory it exhausts all Wilson operators of the maximal Lorentz spin while in nonsupersymmetric Yang-Mills theory it is restricted to the sector of maximal helicity gluonic operators. We show that the dilatation operator in all N-extended super Yang-Mills theories is given by the same integral operator which acts on the (N+1)-dimensional superspac…
We consider N=1, D=4 superconformal U(N)^{pq} Yang-Mills theories dual to AdS_5xS^5/Z_pxZ_q orbifolds. We construct the dilatation operator of this superconformal gauge theory at one-loop planar level. We demonstrate that a specific sector of this dilatation operator can be thought of as the transfer matrix for a two-dimensional statistical mechanical system, related to an integrable SU(3) anti-ferromagnetic spin chain system, which in turn is equivalent to a 2+1-dimensional string theory where the spatial slices are discretized on a triangular lattice. This is an extension of the SO(6) spin c…
The spectrum of planar N=6 superconformal Chern-Simons theory, dual to type IIA superstring theory on $AdS_4 \times CP^3$, is accessible at finite coupling using integrability. Starting from the results of [arXiv:1403.1859], we study in depth the basic integrability structure underlying the spectral problem, the Quantum Spectral Curve. The new results presented in this paper open the way to the quantitative study of the spectrum for arbitrary operators at finite coupling. Besides, we show that the Quantum Spectral Curve is embedded into a novel kind of Q-system, which reflects the OSp(4|6) sym…
