37 pages, 3 figures, 15 tables. v2: Minor edits to beginning of Section 7.1 and Acknowledgments v3: 38 pages. Addition of Appendix C, in which we correct some of our reasoning about the lattice evidence for the structure of the continuum modules. This correction does not change the results. Minor other edits
The spectrum of conformal weights for the CFT describing the two-dimensional critical $Q$-state Potts model (or its close cousin, the dense loop model) has been known for more than 30 years. However, the exact nature of the corresponding $\hbox{Vir}\otimes\overline{\hbox{Vir}}$ representations has remained unknown up to now. Here, we solve the problem for generic values of $Q$. This is achieved by a mixture of different techniques: a careful study of "Koo--Saleur generators" [arXiv:hep-th/9312156], combined with measurements of four-point amplitudes, on the numerical side, and OPEs and the four-point amplitudes recently determined using the "interchiral conformal bootstrap" in [arXiv:2005.07258] on the analytical side. We find that null-descendants of diagonal fields having weights $(h_{r,1},h_{r,1})$ (with $r\in \mathbb{N}^*$) are truly zero, so these fields come with simple $\hbox{Vir}\otimes\overline{\hbox{Vir}}$ ("Kac") modules. Meanwhile, fields with weights $(h_{r,s},h_{r,-s})$ and $(h_{r,-s},h_{r,s})$ (with $r,s\in\mathbb{N}^*$) come in indecomposable but not fully reducible representations mixing four simple $\hbox{Vir}\otimes\overline{\hbox{Vir}}$ modules with a familiar "diamond" shape. The "top" and "bottom" fields in these diamonds have weights $(h_{r,-s},h_{r,-s})$, and form a two-dimensional Jordan cell for $L_0$ and $\bar{L}_0$. This establishes, among other things, that the Potts-model CFT is logarithmic for $Q$ generic. Unlike the case of non-generic (root of unity) values of $Q$, these indecomposable structures are not present in finite size, but we can nevertheless show from the numerical study of the lattice model how the rank-two Jordan cells build up in the infinite-size limit.
We obtain new fermionic sum representations for the Virasoro characters of the confromal field theory describing the ferromagnetic three-state Potts spin chain. These arise from the fermionic quasi-particle excitations derived from the Bethe equations for the eigenvalues of the hamiltonian. In the conformal scaling limit, the Bethe equations provide a description of the spectrum in terms of one genuine quasi-particle, and two ``ghost'' excitations with a limited microscopic momentum range. This description is reflected in the structure of the character formulas, and suggests a connection with …
We perform Monte-Carlo computations of four-point cluster connectivities in the critical 2d Potts model, for numbers of states $Q\in (0,4)$ that are not necessarily integer. We compare these connectivities to four-point functions in a CFT that interpolates between D-series minimal models. We find that 3 combinations of the 4 independent connectivities agree with CFT four-point functions, down to the $2$ to $4$ significant digits of our Monte-Carlo computations. However, we argue that the agreement is exact only in the special cases $Q=0, 3, 4$. We conjecture that the Potts model can be analyti…
We revisit the long standing problem of the geometric free variable approach to computing the generating function for disk amplitudes in the matrix model formulation of the 3-state Potts model coupled to 2D discrete gravity. This method is a mild generalisation of Schwinger Dyson (loop-)equations approach, using graphical arguments to derive a single generating equation in non-commutative variables that contain the information of all loop equations. The method of constructing the generating equation is reviewed, we explain how a larger class of constraints than previously known can be construc…
We find an infinite set of new noncommuting conserved charges in a specific class of perturbed CFT's and present a criterion for their existence.They appear to be higher momenta of the already known commuting conserved currents.The algebra they close consists of two noncommuting$W_\infty$ algebras.We find various Virasoro subalgebras of the full symmetry algebra. It is shown on the examples of the perturbed Ising and Potts models that one of them plays an essencial role in the computation of the correlation functions of the fields of the theory.
We consider sl(2) minimal conformal field theories and the dual parafermion models. Guided by results for the critical A_L Restricted Solid-on-Solid (RSOS) models and its Virasoro modules expressed in terms of paths, we propose a general level-by-level algorithm to build matrix representations of the Virasoro generators and chiral vertex operators (CVOs). We implement our scheme for the critical Ising, tricritical Ising, 3-state Potts and Yang-Lee theories on a cylinder and confirm that it is consistent with the known two-point functions for the CVOs and energy-momentum tensor. Our algorithm e…
Using the ideas from the BPS/CFT correspondence, we give an explicit recursive formula for computing supersymmetric Wilson loop averages in 3d $\mathcal{N}=2$ Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons $U(N)$ theory on the squashed sphere $S^3_b$ with one adjoint chiral and two antichiral fundamental multiplets, for specific values of Chern-Simons level $κ_2$ and Fayet-Illiopoulos parameter $κ_1$. For these values of $κ_1$ and $κ_2$ the north and south pole turn out to be completely independent, and therefore Wilson loop averages factorize into answers for the two constituent $D^2 \times S^1$ theories. In partic…
The loop algebra $L(\mathfrak{sl}_{2})$ symmetry is found in a sector of the nilpotent Bazhanov-Stroganov model. The Drinfeld polynomial of a $L(\mathfrak{sl}_{2})$-degenerate eigenspace of the model is equivalent to the polynomial which characterizes a subspace with the Ising-like spectrum of the superintegrable chiral Potts model.
We construct Virasoro algebra of differential operators for the Jones-Rosso matrix model. These operators generate various relations between Wilson loops. Then we discuss the con- structed operators and corresponding relations in the stability limit. A series of examples is given.
We derive an expression in closed form for the action of a finite element of the Virasoro Group on generalized vertex operators. This complements earlier results giving an algorithm to compute the action of a finite string of generators of the Virasoro Algebra on generalized vertex operators. The main new idea is to use a first order formalism to represent the infinitesimal group element as a loop variable. To obtain a finite group element it is necessary to thicken the loop to a band of finite thickness. This technique makes the calculation very simple.
Virasoro constraint is the operator algebra version of one-loop equation for a Hermitian one-matrix model, and it plays an important role in solving the model. We construct the realization of the Virasoro constraint from the Conformal Field Theory (CFT) method. From multi-loop equations of the one-matrix model, we get a more general constraint. It can be expressed in terms of the operator algebras, which is the Virasoro subalgebra with extra parameters. In this sense, we named as generalized Virasoro constraint. We enlarge this algebra with central extension, this is a new kind of algebra, and…
Recently a boundary energy-momentum tensor $T_{zz}$ has been constructed from the soft graviton operator for any 4D quantum theory of gravity in asymptotically flat space. Up to an "anomaly" which is one-loop exact, $T_{zz}$ generates a Virasoro action on the 2D celestial sphere at null infinity. Here we show by explicit construction that the effects of the IR divergent part of the anomaly can be eliminated by a one-loop renormalization that shifts $T_{zz}$.
We study four-point functions of critical percolation in two dimensions, and more generally of the Potts model. We propose an exact ansatz for the spectrum: an infinite, discrete and non-diagonal combination of representations of the Virasoro algebra. Based on this ansatz, we compute four-point functions using a numerical conformal bootstrap approach. The results agree with Monte-Carlo computations of connectivities of random clusters.
The loop equations in the $U(N)$ lattice gauge theory are represented in the form of constraints imposed on a generating functional for the Wilson loop correlators. These constraints form a closed algebra with respect to commutation. This algebra generalizes the Virasoro one, which is known to appear in one-matrix models in the same way. The realization of this algebra in terms of the infinitesimal changes of generators of the loop space is given. The representations on the tensor fields on the loop space, generalizing the integer spin conformal fields, are constructed. The structure constants…
In this article, we study the q-state Potts random matrix models extended to branched polymers, by the equations of motion method. We obtain a set of loop equations valid for any arbitrary value of q. We show that, for q=2-2 \cos {l \over r} π(l, r mutually prime integers with l < r), the resolvent satisfies an algebraic equation of degree 2 r -1 if l+r is odd and r-1 if l+r is even. This generalizes the presently-known cases of q=1, 2, 3. We then derive for any 0 \leq q \leq 4 the Potts-q critical exponents and string susceptibility.
In the first part of the talk, I review the applications of loop equations to the matrix models and to 2-dimensional quantum gravity which is defined as their continuum limit. The results concerning multi-loop correlators for low genera and the Virasoro invariance are discussed. The second part is devoted to the Kontsevich matrix model which is equivalent to 2-dimensional topological gravity. I review the Schwinger--Dyson equations for the Kontsevich model as well as their explicit solution in genus zero. The relation between the Kontsevich model and the continuum limit of the hermitean one-ma…
We uncover a connection between two seemingly separate subjects in integrable models: the representation theory of the affine Temperley-Lieb algebra, and the algebraic structure of solutions to the Bethe equations of the XXZ spin chain. We study the solution of Bethe equations analytically by computational algebraic geometry, and find that the solution space encodes rich information about the representation theory of Temperley-Lieb algebra. Using these connections, we compute the partition function of the completely-packed loop model and of the closely related random-cluster Potts model, on me…
We examine the Onsager algebra symmetry of $τ^{(j)}$-matrices in the superintegrable chiral Potts model. The comparison of Onsager algebra symmetry of the chiral Potts model with the $sl_2$-loop algebra symmetry of six-vertex model at roots of unity is made from the aspect of functional relations using the $Q$-operator and fusion matrices. The discussion of Bethe ansatz for both models is conducted in a uniform manner through the evaluation parameters of their symmetry algebras.
We discover an Ising-type duality in the general $N$-state chiral Potts model, which is the Kramers-Wannier duality of planar Ising model when N=2. This duality relates the spectrum and eigenvectors of one chiral Potts model at a low temperature (of small $k'$) to those of another chiral Potts model at a high temperature (of $k'^{-1}$). The $τ^{(2)}$-model and chiral Potts model on the dual lattice are established alongside the dual chiral Potts models. With the aid of this duality relation, we exact a precise relationship between the Onsager-algebra symmetry of a homogeneous superintegrable c…
We present a three-dimensional geometric construction of the Virasoro-Bott group, which is a central extension of the group of diffeomorphisms of the circle. Our approach is analogous to the well-known construction of a central extension of the loop group by means of the Wess-Zumino topological term. In particular, the Virasoro-Bott group is realized as a quotient group of diffeomorphisms of the disc with special boundary conditions. We identify the Lie algebra corresponding to our group with the Virasoro algebra. We also show that for generalized boundary conditions the Virasoro algebra is ex…
We propose a systematic treatment of symmetries of KP integrable systems, including constrained (reduced) KP models ${\sl cKP}_{R,M}$, and their multi-component (matrix) generalizations. Any such integrable hierarchy is shown to possess an additional $({\hat U}(1)\oplus{\hat {SL}}(M))_{+} \oplus ({\hat {SL}}(M+R))_{-}$ loop-algebra symmetry. Also we provide a systematic construction of the full algebra of Virasoro additional symmetries in the case of constrained KP models which requires a nontrivial modification of the known Orlov-Schulman construction for the general unconstrained KP hierarch…
We investigate the action of discretized Virasoro generators, built out of generators of the lattice Temperley-Lieb algebra ("Koo-Saleur generators"[arXiv:hep-th/9312156]), in the critical XXZ quantum spin chain. We explore the structure of the continuum-limit Virasoro modules at generic central charge for the XXZ vertex model, paralleling [arXiv:2007.11539] for the loop model. We find again indecomposable modules, but this time not logarithmic ones. The limit of the Temperley-Lieb modules $\mathcal{W}_{j,1}$ for $j\neq 0$ contains pairs of "conjugate states" with conformal weights $(h_{r,s},h…
A conformal restriction system is a commutative, associative, unital algebra equipped with a representation of the groupoid of univalent conformal maps on connected open sets of the Riemann sphere, and a family of linear functionals on subalgebras, satisfying a set of properties including conformal invariance and a type of restriction. This embodies some expected properties of expectation values in conformal loop ensembles CLE. In the context of conformal restriction systems, we study certain algebra elements associated with hypotrochoid simple curves (including the ellipse). These have the CL…
We compute the crossover exponents of all quadratic and cubic deformations of critical field theories with permutation symmetry $S_q$ in $d=6-ε$ (Landau-Potts field theories) and $d=4-ε$ (hypertetrahedral models) up to three loops.We use our results to determine the $ε$-expansion of the fractal dimension of critical clusters in the most interesting cases, which include spanning trees and forests ($q\to0$), and bond percolations ($q\to1$). We also explicitly verify several expected degeneracies in the spectrum of relevant operators for natural values of $q$ upon analytic continuation, which are…
Several investigations show that in a very small length scale there exists corrections to the entropy of black hole horizon. Due to fluctuations of the background metric and the external fields the action incorporates corrections. In the low energy regime, the one loop effective action in four dimensions leads to trace anomaly. We start from the Noether current corresponding to the Einstein-Hilbert plus the one loop effective action to calculate the charge for the diffeomorphisms which preserve the Killing horizon structure. Then a bracket among the charges is calculated. We show that the Four…
To any differential system $dΨ=ΦΨ$ where $Ψ$ belongs to a Lie group (a fiber of a principal bundle) and $Φ$ is a Lie algebra $\mathfrak g$ valued 1-form on a Riemann surface $Σ$, is associated an infinite sequence of "correlators" $W_n$ that are symmetric $n$-forms on $Σ^n$. The goal of this article is to prove that these correlators always satisfy "loop equations", the same equations satisfied by correlation functions in random matrix models, or the same equations as Virasoro or W-algebra constraints in CFT.
As the Yangian double with center,which is deformed from affine algebra by the additive loop parameter $\hbar$ ,we get the commuting relation and the bosonization of quantum $\hbar$-deformed Virasoro algebra. The corresponding Miura transformation, associated screening operators and the BRST charge have been studied. Moreover, we also constructe the bosonization for type I and type II intertwiner vertex operators. Finally, we show that the commuting relation of these vertex operators in the case of $p'=r p=r-1$ and $\hbar =π$ actually gives the exact scattering matrix of the Restricted sine-Go…
We evaluate to one loop the functional integral that computes the partition functions of Chern-Simons theories based on compact groups, using the background field method and a covariant gauge fixing. We compare our computation with the results of other, less direct methods. We find that our method correctly computes the characters of irreducible representations of Kac-Moody algebras. To extend the computation to non-compact groups we need to perform an appropriate analytic continuation of the partition function of the compact group. Non-vacuum characters are found by inserting a Wilson loop in…
The Virasoro master equation describes a large set of conformal field theories known as the affine-Virasoro constructions, in the operator algebra (affine Lie algebra) of the WZW model, while the Einstein equations of the general non-linear sigma model describe another large set of conformal field theories. This talk summarizes recent work which unifies these two sets of conformal field theories, together with a presumable large class of new conformal field theories. The basic idea is to consider spin-two operators of the form $L_{ij} \partial x^i \partial x^j$ in the background of a general s…
The relation between the $\widehat\gl(\infty)$ symmetry of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili hierarchy and the Kac-Moody-Virasoro Lie point symmetries of the individual equations is established. The Lie point symmetries are shown to be the only local ones.
To a given algebraic curve we assign an infinite family of quantum curves (Schrödinger equations), which are in one-to-one correspondence with, and have the structure of, Virasoro singular vectors. For a spectral curve of a matrix model we build such quantum curves out of an appropriate representation of the Virasoro algebra, encoded in the structure of the $α/β$-deformed matrix integral and its loop equation. We generalize this construction to a large class of algebraic curves by means of a refined topological recursion. We also specialize this construction to various specific matrix models w…
The Virasoro master equation (VME) describes the general affine-Virasoro construction $T=L^{ab}J_aJ_b+iD^a \dif J_a$ in the operator algebra of the WZW model, where $L^{ab}$ is the inverse inertia tensor and $D^a $ is the improvement vector. In this paper, we generalize this construction to find the general (one-loop) Virasoro construction in the operator algebra of the general non-linear sigma model. The result is a unified Einstein-Virasoro master equation which couples the spacetime spin-two field $L^{ab}$ to the background fields of the sigma model. For a particular solution $L_G^{ab}$, th…
We study complex CFTs describing fixed points of the two-dimensional $Q$-state Potts model with $Q>4$. Their existence is closely related to the weak first-order phase transition and walking RG behavior present in the real Potts model at $Q>4$. The Potts model, apart from its own significance, serves as an ideal playground for testing this very general relation. Cluster formulation provides nonperturbative definition for a continuous range of parameter $Q$, while Coulomb gas description and connection to minimal models provide some conformal data of the complex CFTs. We use one and two-loop co…
We solve the antiferromagnetic transition for the Q-state Potts model (defined geometrically for Q generic) on the square lattice. The solution is based on a detailed analysis of the Bethe ansatz equations (which involve staggered source terms) and on extensive numerical diagonalization of transfer matrices. It involves subtle distinctions between the loop/cluster version of the model, and the associated RSOS and (twisted) vertex models. The latter's continuum limit involves two bosons, one which is compact and twisted, and the other which is not, with a total central charge c=2-6/t, for sqrt(…
A family of models for fluctuating loops in a two dimensional random background is analyzed. The models are formulated as O(n) spin models with quenched inhomogeneous interactions. Using the replica method, the models are mapped to the $M\to 0$ limits of $M$-layered O(n) models coupled each other via $ϕ_{1,3}$ primary fields. The renormalization group flow is calculated in the vicinity of the decoupled critical point, by an epsilon expansion around the Ising point ($n=1$), varying $n$ as a continuous parameter. The one-loop beta function suggests the existence of a strongly coupled phase ($0<n…
We show that the Bessel equation can be cast, by means of suitable transformations, into a system of two damped/amplified parametric oscillator equations. The relation with the group contraction mechanism is analyzed and the breakdown of loop-antiloop symmetry due to group contraction manifests itself as violation of time-reversal symmetry. A preliminary discussion of the relation between some infinite dimensional loop-algebras, such as the Virasoro-like algebra, and the Euclidean algebras e(2) and e(3) is also presented.
We rewrite the Chern-Simons description of pure gravity on global AdS$_3$ and on Euclidean BTZ black holes as a quantum field theory on the AdS boundary. The resulting theory is (two copies of) the path integral quantization of a certain coadjoint orbit of the Virasoro group, and it should be regarded as the quantum field theory of the boundary gravitons. This theory respects all of the conformal field theory axioms except one: it is not modular invariant. The coupling constant is $1/c$ with $c$ the central charge, and perturbation theory in $1/c$ encodes loop contributions in the gravity dual…
In this paper we considered the bosonic string action in the presence of metric $G_{μν}$, Kalb-Ramond field $B_{μν}$ and dilaton field $Φ$. The quantum conformal invariance is achieved if all three one-loop $β$-functions are zero. But, $β^Φ$, $β$-function related to the dilaton field, can also be equal to some nonzero constant $c$, which is actually the central charge of Virasoro algebra. The anomaly contained in the Schwinger term of Virasoro algebra is canceled by adding Liouville term to the sigma model action and quantum conformal invariance is restored. The space-time action, which Euler-…
The asymptotics of characters $χ_{kλ}(\exp(h/k))$ of irreducible representations of a compact Lie group $G$ for large values of the scaling factor $k$ are given by Duistermaat-Heckman (DH) integrals over coadjoint orbits of $G$. This phenomenon generalises to coadjoint orbits of central extensions of loop groups $\widehat{LG}$ and of diffeomorphisms of the circle $\widehat{\rm Diff}(S^1)$. We show that the asymptotics of characters of integrable modules of affine Kac-Moody algebras and of the Virasoro algebra factorize into a divergent contribution of the standard form and a convergent contrib…
We apply stochastic quantization method to matrix models for the second quantization of loops in both discretized and continuum levels. The fictitious time evolution described by the Langevin equation is interpreted as the time evolution in a field theory of loops. The corresponding Fokker-Planck hamiltonian defines a non-critical string field theory. We study both orientable and non-orientable interactions of loops in terms of matrix models and take the continuum limit for one-matrix case. As a consequence, we show the equivalence of stochastic quantization of matrix models in loop space to t…
The dynamics of the 3 dimensional perfect fluid is equivalent to the motion of vortex filaments or "strings". We study the action principle and find that it is described by the Hopf term of the nonlinear sigma model. The Poisson bracket structure is described by the loop algebra, for example, the Virasoro algebra or the analogue of O(3) current algebra. As a string theory, it is quite different from the standard Nambu-Goto string in its coupling to the extrinsic geometry. We also analyze briefly the two dimsensional case and give some emphasis on the $w_{1+\infty}$ structure.
We construct a string field Hamiltonian describing the dynamics of open and closed strings with effective target-space dimension $c\le 1 $. In order to do so, we first derive the Dyson-Schwinger equations for the underlying large $N$ vector+matrix model and formulate them as a set of constraints satisfying decoupled Virasoro and U(1) current algebras. The Hamiltonian consists of a bulk and a boundary term having different scaling dimensions. The time parameters corresponding to the two terms are interpreted from the the point of view of the fractal geometry of the world surface.
We construct a centerless W-infinity type of algebra in terms of a generator of a centerless Virasoro algebra and an abelian spin-1 current. This algebra conventionally emerges in the study of pseudo-differential operators on a circle or alternatively within KP hierarchy with Watanabe's bracket. Construction used here is based on a special deformation of the algebra $w_{\infty}$ of area preserving diffeomorphisms of a 2-manifold. We show that this deformation technique applies to the two-loop WZNW and conformal affine Toda models, establishing henceforth $W_{\infty}$ invariance of these models…
We study effective lattice actions describing the Polyakov loop dynamics originating from finite-temperature Yang-Mills theory. Starting with a strong-coupling expansion the effective action is obtained as a series of Z(3)-invariant operators involving higher and higher powers of the Polyakov loop, each with its own coupling. Truncating to a subclass with two couplings we perform a detailed analysis of the statistical mechanics involved. To this end we employ a modified mean field approximation and Monte Carlo simulations based on a novel cluster algorithm. We find excellent agreement of both …
We study the WZW model based on the centrally extended 2D de Sitter algebra. We obtain the spacetime metric and its explicitly conformally flat expression. The symmetries of the spacetime are found by identifying the Killing vectors with the group generators. The energy-momentum tensor obtained from the affine-Sugawara construction agrees with that from the more conventional approach. The exact center charge agrees to one-loop order with the one-loop beta function equations. We have also studied the representations of the corresponding enveloping Virasoro algebra.
Recently, we have studied the general Virasoro construction at one loop in the background of the general non-linear sigma model. Here, we find the action formulation of these new conformal field theories when the background sigma model is itself conformal. In this case, the new conformal field theories are described by a large class of new spin-two gauged sigma models. As examples of the new actions, we discuss the spin-two gauged WZW actions, which describe the conformal field theories of the generic affine-Virasoro construction, and the spin-two gauged g/h coset constructions. We are able to…
In this paper we generalize some of these results for loop algebras and groups as well as for the Virasoro algebra to the two-dimensional case. We define and study a class of infinite dimensional complex Lie groups which are central extensions of the group of smooth maps from a two dimensional orientable surface without boundary to a simple complex Lie group G. These extensions naturally correspond to complex curves. The kernel of such an extension is the Jacobian of the curve. The study of the coadjoint action shows that its orbits are labelled by moduli of holomorphic principal G-bundles ove…
Some issues in the loop variable renormalization group approach to gauge invariant equations for the free fields of the open string are discussed. It had been shown in an earlier paper that this leads to a simple form of the gauge transformation law. We discuss in some detail some of the curious features encountered there. The theory looks a little like a massless theory in one higher dimension that can be dimensionally reduced to give a massive theory. We discuss the origin of some constraints that are needed for gauge invariance and also for reducing the set of fields to that of standard str…
We study representations of Temperley-Lieb algebras associated with the transfer matrix formulation of statistical mechanics on arbitrary lattices. We first discuss a new hyperfinite algebra, the Diagram algebra $D_{\underline{n}}(Q)$, which is a quotient of the Temperley-Lieb algebra appropriate for Potts models in the mean field case, and in which the algebras appropriate for all transverse lattice shapes $G$ appear as subalgebras. We give the complete structure of this subalgebra in the case ${\hat A}_n$ (Potts model on a cylinder). The study of the Full Temperley Lieb algebra of graph $G$ …
