The S-matrix bootstrap IV: multiple amplitudes

We explore the space of consistent three-particle couplings in Z(2)-symmetric two-dimensional QFTs using two first-principles approaches. Our first approach relies solely on unitarity, analyticity and crossing symmetry of the two-to-two scattering amplitudes and extends the techniques of [2] to a multi-amplitude setup. Our second approach is based on placing QFTs in AdS to get upper bounds on couplings with the numerical conformal bootstrap, and is a multi-correlator version of [1]. The space of allowed couplings that we carve out is rich in features, some of which we can link to amplitudes in integrable theories with a Z(2) symmetry, e.g., the three-state Potts and tricritical Ising field theories. Along a specific line our maximal coupling agrees with that of a new exact S-matrix that corresponds to an elliptic deformation of the supersymmetric Sine-Gordon model which preserves unitarity and solves the Yang-Baxter equation.

A New Method to Explore Conformal Field Theories in Any Dimension

Alessandro Vichi

The thesis represents an investigation into Conformal Field Theories (CFT's) in arbitrary dimensions. We propose an innovative method to extract informations about CFT's in a quantitative way. Studying the crossing symmetry of the four point function of scalar operators we derive consistency constraints on the CFT structure, in the form of functional sum rules. The technique we introduce allows to address the feasibility of the sum rule and translate it into restrictions on the CFT spectrum and interactions. Our analysis only assumes unitarity of the CFT, crossing symmetry of the four point function and existence of an Operator Product Expansion (OPE) for scalars. We demonstrate that a CFT satisfying the above hypothesis and containing a scalar operator is not compatible with arbitrary spectra of the operators nor with arbitrary large OPE coefficients. More specifically we prove two main results. First, the spectrum of the CFT must contain a second scalar operator with dimension smaller than a given value. Second, the value of the three point function of two scalars with equal dimension and a third arbitrary operator is bounded from above. As an application of the fist statement we present the bound on the smallest dimension operator entering the OPE of a real scalar with itself. We perform the analysis in two and four dimensions. The comparison of the two dimensional case with exactly solvable models shows a saturation of the bound. We repeat for CFT's with global symmetries and superconformal field theories in four dimensions. As a demonstration of the second result we provide a lower bound on the central charge for CFT in two and four dimensions without global symmetries and for superconformal field theories. We also discuss in the potentialities of the method and possible future research lines. Finally, we discuss possible implications for model building beyond the Standard Model of particle physics.

EPFL2011

Bootstrapping superconformal field theories in four dimensions

Andrea Manenti

The conformal bootstrap is a non-perturbative technique designed to study conformal field theories using only first principles, such as unitarity, crossing symmetry and the existence of an Operator Product Expansion. In this thesis we discuss an application of the bootstrap method in four dimensional conformal field theories. We also consider in detail the special case where the theory is supersymmetric. In particular we focus on the case study of four abelian currents. The non-supersymmetric setup applies to all conformal field theories with a global abelian symmetry group. When we include the assumption of supersymmetry, the current is taken to be the generator of the R-symmetry, which is tied to the stress tensor due to the superconformal algebra. The supersymmetric setup therefore applies to all local superconformal field theories. We start by introducing all the necessary ingredients. In particular, we discuss the formalism of the embedding space and of the conformal frame to study conformal kinematics. We also give a supersymmetric generalization of the conformal frame formula to count three-point tensor structures. Then we address the important problem of expanding superspace correlators in their components. To this aim we introduce a set of differential operators that act in superspace. Using this formalism we are able to compute the linear relations among the operators in the same superconformal multiplet. This is a necessary step in the computation of superconformal blocks, but it will also be useful for other purposes that we discuss before passing to the bootstrap analysis. First we use it to impose the averaged null energy condition on arbitrary superconformal field theories. This will lead to interesting consequences on their local operator spectrum. Next we focus on the case of local superconformal field theories with eight supercharges and we prove that a certain class of operators termed ``exotic primaries'' cannot exist. Finally, after a pedagogical introduction to the notion of the conformal bootstrap, we carry out a detailed study of the correlator of four conserved currents. In particular, we compute the conformal and superconformal blocks and the crossing equations. We conclude by proposing several numerical studies and strategies and by showing some preliminary results for the non-supersymmetric case.

EPFL2020

Bootstrapping superconformal field theories in four dimensions

Andrea Manenti

EPFL2020

A New Method to Explore Conformal Field Theories in Any Dimension

Alessandro Vichi

EPFL2011