We consider Abelian tensor hierarchy in four-dimensional ${\cal N}=1$ supergravity in the conformal superspace formalism, where the so-called covariant approach is used to antisymmetric tensor fields. We introduce $p$-form gauge superfields as superforms in the conformal superspace. We solve the Bianchi identities under the constraints for the superforms. As a result, each of form fields is expressed by a single gauge invariant superfield. The action of superforms is shown with the invariant superfields. We also show the relation between the superspace formalism and the superconformal tensor calculus.
Recently a new supersymmetric extension of the KdV hierarchy has appeared in a matrix-model-inspired approach to $2{-}d$ quantum supergravity. Here we prove that this hierarchy is essentially the KdV hierarchy, where the KdV field is now replaced by an even superfield. This allows us to find the conserved charges and the bihamiltonian structure, and to prove its integrability. We also extend the hierarchy by odd flows in a supersymmetric fashion.
We consider Chern-Simons actions of Abelian tensor hierarchy of $p$-form gauge fields in four-dimensional ${\cal N}=1$ supergravity. Using conformal superspace formalism, we solve the constraints on the field strengths of the $p$-form gauge superfields in the presence of the tensor hierarchy. The solutions are expressed by the prepotentials of the $p$-form gauge superfields. We show the internal and superconformal transformation laws of the prepotentials. The descent formalism for the Chern-Simons actions is exhibited.
IIB supergravity is reformulated with a manifest local USp(8) invariance that makes the embedding of five-dimensional maximal supergravities transparent. In this formulation the ten-dimensional theory exhibits all the 27 one-form fields and 22 of the 27 two-form fields that are required by the vector-tensor hierarchy of the five-dimensional theory. The missing 5 two-form fields must transform in the same representation as a descendant of the ten-dimensional `dual graviton'. The invariant E6(6) symmetric tensor that appears in the vector-tensor hierarchy is reproduced. Generalized vielbeine are…
Integrable hierarchy based on the constrained Osp(2$\mid%2) connection is considered. The connection with 2D supergravity and some analogies with the W$_3^{(2)}$ case are given. It is shown that super Virasoro transformations are symmetries of tha hierarchy.
In this paper we construct the supersymmetric tensor hierarchy of N=1, d=4 supergravity. We find some differences with the general bosonic construction of 4-dimensional gauged supergravities. The global symmetry group of N=1,d=4 supergravity consists of three factors: the scalar manifold isometry group, the invariance group of the complex vector kinetic matrix and the U(1) R-symmetry group. In contrast to (half)-maximal supergravities, the latter two symmetries are not embedded into the isometry group of the scalar manifold. We identify some components of the embedding tensor with Fayet-Iliopo…
Supergravity provides the effective field theories for string compactifications. The deformation of the maximal supergravities by non-abelian gauge interactions is only possible for a restricted class of charges. Generically these `gaugings' involve a hierarchy of p-form fields which belong to specific representations of the duality group. The group-theoretical structure of this p-form hierarchy exhibits many interesting features. In the case of maximal supergravity the class of allowed deformations has intriguing connections with M/string theory.
The magnetic fluxbrane solution with a strongly warped throat is studied in the Type IIA supergravity theory with co-dimension one local source which surves as $Z_{2}$-symmetric UV boundary of the throat. Overall volume of extra space is stabilized since introduction of the local source breaks the no-scale structure of the theory and evades the no-go theorem. Radion field is defined as the position of UV boundary "moved" from its stable value fixed by the anisotropic Israel junction conditions. Analytical expression for the radion effective potential is received. Potential decreases exponentia…
We give a formulation of linearized 11D supergravity in 4D, $N=1$ superspace keeping all eleven bosonic coordinates. The fields are fluctuations around $\mathbf M=\mathbf R^{4|4}\times Y$, where $Y$ is a background Riemannian 7-manifold admitting a $G_2$ structure. We embed the 11D fields into superfield representations of the 4D, $N=1$ superconformal algebra. These consist of the conformal graviton superfield, seven conformal gravitino superfields, a tensor hierarchy of superfields describing the 11D 3-form, and a non-abelian Kaluza-Klein vector multiplet gauging the tensor hierarchy by diffe…
Motivated by its well defined higher dimensional origin, a detailed study of $D=4$ $\mathcal{N}=8$ supergravity with a dyonically gauged $\textrm{ISO}(7) = \textrm{SO}(7) \ltimes \mathbb{R}^7$ gauge group is performed. We write down the Lagrangian and describe the tensor and duality hierarchies, focusing on an interesting subsector with closed field equations and supersymmetry transformations. We then truncate the $\mathcal{N}=8$ theory to some smaller sectors with $\mathcal{N}=2$ and $\mathcal{N}=1$ supersymmetry and SU(3), $\textrm{G}_2$ and SO(4) bosonic symmetry. Canonical and superpotenti…
We examine how a d-dimensional mass hierarchy can be generated from a d+1-dimensional set up. We consider a d+1--dimensional scalar, the hierarchon, which has a potential as in gauged supergravities. We find that when it is in its minimum, there exist solutions of Horava-Witten topology R^d X S^1/Z^2 with domain walls at the fixed points and anti-de Sitter geometry in the bulk. We show that while standard Poincare supergravity leads to power-law hierarchies, (e.g. a power law dependence of masses on the compactification scale), gauged supergravity produce an exponential hierarchy as recently p…
We address the construction of manifest U-duality invariant generalized diffeomorphisms. The closure of the algebra requires an extension of the tangent space to include a tensor hierarchy indicating the existence of an underlying unifying structure, compatible with E_{11} and Borcherds algebras constructions. We begin with four-dimensional gauged maximal supergravity, and build a generalized Lie derivative that encodes all the gauge transformations of the theory. A generalized frame is introduced, which accommodates for all the degrees of freedom, including the tensor hierarchy. The generaliz…
A compact formulation of the field-strengths, Bianchi identities and gauge transformations for tensor hierarchies in gauged maximal supergravity theories is given. A key role in the construction is played by the recently-introduced tensor hierarchy algebra.
A brief description of the supersymmetric and duality covariant approach to supergravity is presented. The formalism is based on exceptional geometric structures and turns the hidden U-duality group into a manifest gauge symmetry. Tensor hierarchy of gauged supergravity appears naturally here as a consequence of covariance of the construction. Finally, the full supersymmetric Lagrangian is explicitly constructed. This work was presented on the International Conference "Quantum Field Theory and Gravity (QFTG'14)" in Tomsk.
We examine the stability of the mass hierarchy in hidden-sector supergravity theories. We show that a quadratically divergent tadpole can appear at two loops, even in minimal supergravity theories, provided the theory has a gauge- and global-symmetry singlet with renormalizable couplings to the visible fields. This tadpole can destabilize the hierarchy. We also find a quadratically divergent two-loop contribution to the field-dependent vacuum energy. This result casts doubt on the efficacy of the "LHC mechanism" for controlling quadratic divergences. We carry out the two-loop calculation in a …
Tensor hierarchies are algebraic objects that emerge in gauging procedures in supergravity models, and that present a very deep and intricate relationship with Leibniz (or Loday) algebras. In this paper, we show that one can canonically associate a tensor hierarchy to any Loday algebra. By formalizing the construction that is performed in supergravity, we build this tensor hierarchy explicitly. We show that this tensor hierarchy can be canonically equipped with a differential graded Lie algebra structure that coincides with the one that is found in supergravity theories.
Starting from $E_{11}$ and the space-time translations we construct an algebra that promotes the global $E_{11}$ symmetries to local ones, and consider all its possible massive deformations. The Jacobi identities imply that such deformations are uniquely determined by a single tensor that belongs to the same representation of the internal symmetry group as the $D-1$ forms specified by $E_{11}$. The non-linear realisation of the deformed algebra gives the field strengths of the theory which are those of any possible gauged maximal supergravity theory in any dimension. All the possible deformed …
The truncation formulae of $D=11$ supergravity on $S^7$ to $D=4$ ${\cal N} =8$ SO(8)-gauged supergravity are completed to include the full non-linear dependence of the $D=11$ three-form potential $\hat A_{(3)}$ on the $D=4$ fields, and their consistency is shown. The full embedding into $\hat A_{(3)}$ is naturally expressed in terms of a restricted version, still ${\cal N} =8$ but only SL(8)--covariant, of the $D=4$ tensor hierarchy. The redundancies introduced by this approach are removed at the level of the field strength $\hat F_{(4)}$ by exploiting $D=4$ duality relations. Finally, new exp…
The SU(3)--invariant sector of maximal supergravity in four dimensions with an SO(8) gauging is uplifted to $D=11$ supergravity. In order to do this, the SU(3)--neutral sector of the tensor and duality hierarchies of the $D=4$ ${\cal N}=8$ supergravity is first worked out. The consistent $D=11$ embedding of the full, dynamical SU(3) sector is then expressed at the level of the $D=11$ metric and three-form gauge field in terms of these $D=4$ tensors. The redundancies introduced by this approach are eliminated at the level of the $D=11$ four-form field strength by making use of the $D=4$ duality…
The forms in D-dimensional (half-)maximal supergravity theories are discussed for 3 $\leq$ D $\leq$ 11. Superspace methods are used to derive consistent sets of Bianchi identities for all the forms for all degrees, and to show that they are soluble and fully compatible with supersymmetry. The Bianchi identities determine Lie superalgebras that can be extended to Borcherds superalgebras of a special type. It is shown that any Borcherds superalgebra of this type gives the same form spectrum, up to an arbitrary degree, as an associated Kac-Moody algebra. For maximal supergravity up to D-form pote…
We study the tensor gauge fields ("notophs") of ungauged N=8 D=4 supergravity in superspace. These are described by 2-form potentials in the adjoint representation of G=E(7(+7)). The consistency of the natural candidates for the superspace constraints for their field strengths fixes the form of the generalized Bianchi identities and also requires the potentials with indices of G/H=E(7(+7))/SU(8) generators to be dual to the scalars of the N=8,D=4 supergravity multiplet. In contrast, the field strengths of the 2-form potentials corresponding to the SU(8) generators are dual to fermionic bilinea…
We study the stability of the gauge hierarchy in hidden-sector supergravity theories. We show that a destabilizing tadpole can appear if a theory has a gauge- and global-symmetry singlet with renormalizable couplings to the visible fields. We also find a quadratically divergent two-loop contribution to the supersymmetric effective potential. This term illustrates the difficulty of using the "LHC mechanism" to control quadratic divergences in theories with Planck-scale vevs.
Deformations of maximal supergravity theories induced by gauging non-abelian subgroups of the duality group reveal the presence of charged M-theory degrees of freedom that are not necessarily contained in supergravity. The relation with M-theory degrees of freedom is confirmed by the representation assignments under the duality group of the gauge charges and the ensuing vector and tensor gauge fields. The underlying hierarchy of these gauge fields is required for consistency of general gaugings. As an example gauged maximal supergravity in three space-time dimensions is presented in a version …
We investigate the conjectured infinite-dimensional hidden symmetries of six-dimensional chiral supergravity coupled to two vector multiplets and two tensor multiplets, which is known to possess the $F_{4,4}$ symmetry upon dimensional reduction to three spacetime dimensions. Two things are done. (i) First, we analyze the geodesic equations on the coset space $F_{4,4}^{++}/K(F_{4,4}^{++})$ using the level decomposition associated with the subalgebra $\mathfrak{gl}(5)\oplus \mathfrak{sl}(2)$ of $F_{4,4}^{++}$ and show their equivalence with the bosonic equations of motion of six-dimensional chir…
We compute the complete 3- and 4-dimensional tensor hierarchies, i.e. sets of p-form fields, with $1\le p\le D$, which realize an off-shell algebra of bosonic gauge transformations. We show how these tensor hierarchies can be put on-shell by introducing a set of duality relations, thereby introducing additional scalars and a metric tensor. These so-called duality hierarchies encode the equations of motion of the bosonic part of the most general gauged supergravity theories in those dimensions, including the (projected) scalar equations of motion. We construct gauge-invariant actions that inclu…
Eleven-dimensional supergravity can be formulated in superspaces locally of the form $\mathbf X\times Y$ where $\mathbf X$ is 4D $N=1$ conformal superspace and $Y$ is an arbitrary 7-manifold admitting a $G_2$-structure. The eleven-dimensional 3-form and the stable 3-form on $Y$ define the lowest component of a gauge superfield on $\mathbf X \times Y$ that is chiral as a superfield on $\mathbf X$. This chiral field is part of a tensor hierarchy giving rise to a superspace Chern-Simons action and its real field strength defines a lifting of the Hitchin functional on $Y$ to the $G_2$ superspace $…
We present the details of the recently constructed $E_{6(6)}$ covariant extension of 11-dimensional supergravity. This theory requires a 5+27 dimensional spacetime in which the `internal' coordinates transform in the $\bar{\bf 27}$ of $E_{6(6)}$. All fields are $E_{6(6)}$ tensors and transform under (gauged) internal generalized diffeomorphisms. The `Kaluza-Klein' vector field acts as a gauge field for the $E_{6(6)}$ covariant `E-bracket' rather than a Lie bracket, requiring the presence of two-forms akin to the tensor hierarchy of gauged supergravity. We construct the complete and unique acti…
We construct the Dirac-Born-Infeld (DBI) action of a real linear multiplet in 4D $\mathcal{N}=1$ supergravity. Based on conformal supergravity, we derive the general condition under which the DBI action can be realized, and show that it can be constructed in the new minimal supergravity. We also generalize it to the matter coupled system.
Using Schrödinger functional methods, we show that in the ${\cal N}=4$ SYM/Type IIB Supergravity correspondence the renormalisation of the boundary Newton and gravitational constants arising from bulk fields cancels when we sum over all the Kaluza-Klein modes of Supergravity. This accords with the expected finiteness of ${\cal N}=4$ SYM, and it is expected that other renormalisations cancel in a similar way.
We construct the on-shell double copy for linearised four-dimensional ${\cal N}=2$ supergravity coupled to one vector multiplet with a quadratic prepotential. We apply this dictionary to the weak-field approximation of dyonic BPS black holes in this theory.
We present a family of N=1 supersymmetric backgrounds in type-IIA supergravity and their lifts to eleven-dimensional supergravity. These are of the form $AdS_5 \times X^5$ and are characterised by an $SU(2)$ structure. The internal space, $X^5$, is obtained from the known Sasaki-Einstein manifolds, $Y^{p,q}$, via an application of non-Abelian T-duality.
We review two off-shell models for spontaneously broken ${\cal N}=1$ and ${\cal N}=2$ supergravity proposed in arXiv:1702.02423 and arXiv:1707.07390. The ${\cal N}=1$ model makes use of a real scalar superfield subject to three nilpotency conditions. The ${\cal N}=2$ theory is formulated in terms of a reduced chiral superfield obeying a cubic nilpotency condition. New results on nilpotent ${\cal N}=1$ supergravity are also included.
In the version 1 of this paper, we claimed that 4D ${\cal N}=1$ supergravity formulations with different auxiliary fields can be unified using U(1) gauge symmetry, whose gauge superfield does not have a kinetic term. However, after submission, we found a critical error in our statement. This is the note on the paper of the version 1.
We construct the six-point NMHV one-loop amplitude in ${\cal N}=4$ supergravity using unitarity and recursion. The use of recursion requires the introduction of rational descendants of the cut-constructible pieces of the amplitude and the computation of the non-standard factorisation terms arising from the loop integrals.
With the purpose of holographically describing flows from a large family of four dimensional ${\cal N}=1$ and ${\cal N}=2$ conformal field theories, we discuss truncations of seven dimensional supergravity to five dimensions. We write explicitly the reduced gauged supergravity and find BPS equations for simple configurations. Lifting these flows to eleven dimensions or Massive IIA supergravity, we present string duals to RG flows from strongly coupled conformal theories when deformed by marginal and/or relevant operators. We further discuss observables common to infinite families of ${\cal N}=…
We develop off-shell formulations for ${\cal N}=1$ and ${\cal N}=2$ anti-de Sitter supergravity theories in three spacetime dimensions that contain gauge two-forms in the auxiliary field sector. These formulations are shown to allow consistent couplings of supergravity to the Green-Schwarz superstring with ${\cal N}=1$ or ${\cal N}=2$ spacetime supersymmetry. In addition to being $κ$-symmetric, the Green-Schwarz superstring actions constructed are also invariant under super-Weyl transformations of the target space. We also present a detailed study of models for spontaneously broken local super…
We gauge the abelian hierarchy of tensor fields in 4D by a Lie algebra. The resulting non-abelian tensor hierarchy can be interpreted via an equivariant chain complex. We lift this structure to N=1 superspace by constructing superfield analogs for the tensor fields, along with covariant superfield strengths. Next we construct Chern-Simons actions, for both the bosonic and N=1 cases, and note that the condition of gauge invariance can be presented cohomologically. Finally, we provide an explicit realization of these structures by dimensional reduction, for example by reducing the three-form of …
We give a complete account of the Schrödinger representation approach to the calculation of the Weyl anomaly of ${\cal N}=4$ SYM from the AdS/CFT correspondence. On the AdS side, the $1/N^2$ correction to the leading order result receives contributions from all the fields of Type IIB Supergravity, the contribution of each field being given by a universal formula. The correct matching with the CFT result is thus a highly non-trivial test of the correspondence.
We study the structure of the supersymmetric moduli spaces of ${\cal N}=1$ and ${\cal N}=2$ supergravity theories in $AdS_4$ backgrounds. In the ${\cal N}=1$ case, the moduli space cannot be a complex submanifold of the Kähler field space, but is instead real with respect to the inherited complex structure. In ${\cal N}=2$ supergravity the same result holds for the vector multiplet moduli space, while the hypermultiplet moduli space is a Kähler submanifold of the quaternionic-Kähler field space. These findings are in agreement with AdS/CFT considerations.
In this paper, we continue the study of Janus and RG-flow interfaces in three dimensional supergravity continuing the work presented in [1]. We consider ${\cal N}=8$ gauged supergravity theories which have a ${\cal N}=(4,4)$ $AdS_3$ vacuum with $D^1(2,1;α) \times D^1(2,1;α)$ symmetry for general $α$. We derive the BPS flow equations and find numerical solutions. Some holographic quantities such as the entanglement entropy are calculated.
I discuss recent supergravity constructions of type IIB holographic interfaces in four-dimensional ${\cal N}=1$ and ${\cal N}=4$ field theories. I explain how each holographic interface can be compactified on a circle with an SL$(2,{\bf Z})$ monodromy leading to a novel AdS$_4$ supergravity solution. These AdS$_4$ backgrounds are argued to be dual to so-called J-fold superconformal field theories in three dimensions.
Gauge deformations of maximal supergravity in D=11-n dimensions generically give rise to a tensor hierarchy of p-form fields that transform in specific representations of the global symmetry group E(n). We derive the formulas defining the hierarchy from a Borcherds superalgebra corresponding to E(n). This explains why the E(n) representations in the tensor hierarchies also appear in the level decomposition of the Borcherds superalgebra. We show that the indefinite Kac-Moody algebra E(11) can be used equivalently to determine these representations, up to p=D, and for arbitrarily large p if E(11…
It was recently pointed out that the cosmological constant (even metastable one) belongs to the so-called "swampland" and hence cannot be obtained as the low-energy limit of string theory that requires $|\nabla V| > c V$. If true, the dark energy needs to be described by an evolving scalar field, i.e., quintessence with $w>-1$ within supergravity. However, the large hierarchy between the supersymmetry breaking scale and the energy scale of dark energy imposes a challenge on building quintessence models in supergravity as the quintessence field typically acquires a mass of order the gravitino m…
We find solutions of 11-dimensional supergravity for M5-branes wrapped on Riemann surfaces. These solutions preserve ${\cal N} = 2$ four-dimensional supersymmetry. They are dual to ${\cal N} = 2$ gauge theories, including non-conformal field theories. We work out the case of ${\cal N} = 2$ Yang-Mills in detail.
We present $α$-attractor models for inflation based on ${\cal N}=1$ supergravity with flat Kähler manifolds. The function form of the associated Kähler potential in these models are logarithmic square in nature and has a visible shift symmetry in its composite canonical variables. The scalar potential $V$ with respect to these field variables has an infinitely long dS valley of constant depth and width at large values of inflaton field $ψ$ and attains a Minkowski minimum at small $ψ$. We illustrate this new framework with a couple of examples.
We compute certain spinorial cohomology groups controlling possible supersymmetric deformations of eleven-dimensional supergravity up to order $l^3$ in the Planck length. At ${\cal O}(l)$ and ${\cal O}(l^2)$ the spinorial cohomology groups are trivial and therefore the theory cannot be deformed supersymmetrically. At ${\cal O}(l^3)$ the corresponding spinorial cohomology group is generated by a nontrivial element. On an eleven-dimensional manifold $M$ such that $p_1(M)\neq 0$, this element corresponds to a supersymmetric deformation of the theory, which can only be redefined away at the cost o…
We reconsider the one loop divergence of ${\cal N}=8$ supergravity in four dimensions. We compute the finite effective potential of ${\cal N}=8$ anti-deSitter supergravity and interpret it as logarithmic running of the cosmological constant. We find that quantum inequivalence between fields that are classically dual is due to boundary modes in AdS$_4$. Some subtleties are traced to the difference between the Euler characteristic of global and thermal AdS$_4$.
These lectures present an introduction to supergravity, and are intended for graduate students with a working knowledge of quantum field theory, including the elementary group theory needed for it, but no prior knowledge of general relativity, supersymmetry or string theory is assumed. I will start by introducing the needed elements of general relativity and supersymmetry. I will then describe the simplest cases of supergravity, ${\cal N}=1$ on-shell in 4 dimensions and ${\cal N}=1$ off-shell in 3 dimensions. I will introduce superspace formalisms in their simplest cases, and apply them to ${\…
An overview of matter-coupled ${\cal N}=2$ supergravity theories with 8 real supercharges, in 4,5 and 6 dimensions is given. The construction of the theories by superconformal methods is explained from basic principles. Special geometry is obtained and characterized. The relation between the theories in those dimensions is discussed. This leads to the concepts of very special geometry and quaternionic-Kähler manifolds, whose structures are explained.
We present a family of globally regular ${\cal N}=1$ vacua in the D=4, ${\cal N}=4$ gauged supergravity of Gates and Zwiebach. These solutions are labeled by the ratio $ξ$ of the two gauge couplings, and for $ξ=0$ they reduce to the supergravity monopole previously used for constructing the gravity dual of ${\cal N}=1$ super Yang-Mills theory. For $ξ>0$ the solutions are asymptotically anti de Sitter, but with an excess of the solid angle, and they reduce exactly to anti de Sitter for $ξ=1$. Solutions with $ξ<0$ are topologically $R^1\times S^3$, and for $ξ=-2$ they become $R^1\times S^3$ geom…
Recent work on consistent Kaluza-Klein reductions on Einstein-Sasaki spaces prompted an intriguing conjecture that there might exist a consistent $S^5$ reduction of type IIB supergravity to give five-dimensional ${\cal N}=8$ gauged supergravity coupled to a massive supermultiplet that includes the breathing-mode scalar. Motivated by this, we investigate the possibility of augmenting the usual ${\cal N}=8$ supergravity reduction to include a breathing-mode scalar, and we show that this is in fact inconsistent. The standard reduction to the massless ${\cal N}=8$ supermultiplet depends for its co…
We introduce an infinite-dimensional Lie superalgebra which is an extension of the U-duality Lie algebra of maximal supergravity in D dimensions, for D between 3 and 7. The level decomposition with respect to the U-duality Lie algebra gives exactly the tensor hierarchy of representations that arises in gauge deformations of the theory described by an embedding tensor, for all positive levels p. We prove that these representations are always contained in those coming from the associated Borcherds-Kac-Moody superalgebra, and we explain why some of the latter representations are not included in t…
We clarify the higher-dimensional origin of a class of dyonic gaugings of $D=4$ ${\cal N}=8$ supergravity recently discovered, when the gauge group is chosen to be ISO(7). This dyonically-gauged maximal supergravity arises from consistent truncation of massive IIA supergravity on $S^6$, and its magnetic coupling constant descends directly from the Romans mass. The critical points of the supergravity uplift to new AdS$_4$ massive type IIA vacua. We identify the corresponding CFT$_3$ duals as super-Chern-Simons-matter theories with simple gauge group SU$(N)$, with level $k$ given by the Romans m…
We embed the component fields of eleven-dimensional supergravity into a superspace of the form $X\times Y$ where $X$ is the standard 4D, $N=1$ superspace and $Y$ is a smooth 7-manifold. The eleven-dimensional 3-form gives rise to a tensor hierarchy of superfields gauged by the diffeomorphisms of $Y$. It contains a natural candidate for a $G_2$ structure on $Y$, and being a complex of superforms, defines a superspace Chern-Simons invariant. Adding to this a natural generalization of the Riemannian volume on $X\times Y$ and freezing the (superspin-$\frac32$ and 1) supergravity fields on $X$, we …
We calculate circular Wilson loop expectation value of pure ${\cal N}=1$ super Yang-Mills from the Klebanov-Strassker-Tseytlin solution of supergravity and the proposed gauge/gravity duality. The calculation is performed numerically via searching world-sheet minimal surface. It is shown that Wilson loop exhibits area law for large radius which implies that ${\cal N}=1$ super Yang-Mills is confined at large distance or low energy scale. Meanwhile, Wilson loop exhibits logarithmic behavior for small radius and it indicates asymptotical freedom of ${\cal N}=1$ super Yang-Mills at short distance o…
We develop a new off-shell formulation for six-dimensional conformal supergravity obtained by gauging the 6D ${\cal N} = (1, 0)$ superconformal algebra in superspace. This formulation is employed to construct two invariants for 6D ${\cal N} = (1, 0)$ conformal supergravity, which contain $C^3$ and $C\Box C$ terms at the component level. Using a conformal supercurrent analysis, we prove that these exhaust all such invariants in minimal conformal supergravity. Finally, we show how to construct the supersymmetric $F \Box F$ invariant in curved superspace.
The structure of scattering amplitudes in supergravity theories continues to be of interest. Recently, the amplitude for $2\rightarrow 2$ scattering in ${\cal N}=8$ supergravity was presented at three-loop order for the first time. The result can be written in terms of an exponentiated one-loop contribution, modulo a remainder function which is free of infrared singularities, but contains leading terms in the high energy Regge limit. We explain the origin of these terms from a well-known, unitarity-restoring exponentiation of the high-energy gravitational $S$-matrix in impact-parameter space. …
We discuss an $\cal{N}=2$ supergravity model that interpolates the full and the partial supersymmetry breakings. In particular, we find the conditions for an $\cal{N}=0$ Minkowski vacuum, which is continuously connected to the partial-breaking ($\cal{N}=1$ preserving) one. The model contains multiple (Abelian) vector multiplets and a single hypermultiplet, and is constructed by employing the embedding tensor technique. We compute the mass spectrum on the Minkowski vacuum, and find some non-trivial mass relations among the massive fields. Our model allows us to choose the two supersymmetry-brea…
