Abstract: Motivated by the construction of holographic duals to five-dimensional superconformal quantum field theories, we obtain global solutions to Type IIB supergravity invariant under the superalgebra $F(4)$ on a space-time of the form $AdS_6 \times S^2$ warped over a two-dimensional Riemann surface $\Sigma$. In earlier work, the general local solutions were expressed in terms of two locally holomorphic functions $\mathcal A_\pm$ on $\Sigma$ and global solutions were sketched when $\Sigma$ is a disk. In the present paper, the physical regularity conditions on the supergravity fields required for global solutions are implemented on $\mathcal A_\pm$ for arbitrary $\Sigma$. Global solutions exist only when $\Sigma$ has a non-empty boundary $\partial \Sigma$. The differentials $\partial \mathcal A_\pm$ are allowed to have poles only on $\partial \Sigma$ and each pole corresponds to a semi-infinite $(p,q)$ five-brane. The construction for the disk is carried out in detail and the conditions for the existence of global solutions are articulated for surfaces with more than one boundary and higher genus.

Abstract: The correspondence between sound waves, in a de Laval propelling nozzle, and quasinormal modes emitted by brane-world black holes deformed by a 5D bulk Weyl fluid are here explored and scrutinized. The analysis of sound waves patterns in a de Laval nozzle in the laboratory, reciprocally, is here shown to provide relevant data about the 5D bulk Weyl fluid and its on-brane projection, comprised by the minimal geometrically deformed compact stellar distribution on the brane. Acoustic perturbations of the gas fluid flow in the de Laval nozzle are proved to coincide with the quasinormal modes of black holes solutions deformed by the 5D Weyl fluid, in the geometric deformation procedure. Hence, in a phenomenological Eotvos–Friedmann fluid brane-world model, the realistic shape of a de Laval nozzle is derived and its consequences studied.

Abstract: We consider the 6d superconformal field theory realized on M5-branes probing the $E_8$ end-of-the-world brane on the deformed and resolved $\mathbb{C}^2/\mathbb{Z}_k$ singularity. We give an explicit algorithm which determines, for arbitrary holonomy at infinity, the 6d quiver gauge theory on the tensor branch, the type-A class S description of the $T^2$ compactification, and the star-shaped quiver obtained as the mirror of the $T^3$ compactification.

Abstract: We extend the Mellin representation of conformal field theory (CFT) to allow for conformal boundaries and interfaces We consider the simplest holographic setup dual to an interface CFT - a brane filling an $AdS_{d}$ subspace of $AdS_{d+1}$ - and perform a systematic study of Witten diagrams in this setup As a byproduct of our analysis, we show that geodesic Witten diagrams in this geometry reproduce interface CFT$_d$ conformal blocks, generalizing the analogous statement for CFTs with no defects

Abstract: We use brane techniques to study the space of vacua of abelian 3d $$ \mathcal{N}=3 $$ gauge theories. The coordinates on these spaces are the vevs of chiral monopole and meson operators, which are realized in the type IIB brane configuration of the theory by adding semi-infinite (1, k) strings or F1 strings. The study of various brane setups allows us to determine a basis of chiral operators and chiral ring relations relevant to each branch of vacua, leading to the algebraic description of these branches. The method is mostly graphical and does not require actual computations. We apply it and provide explicit results in various examples. For linear quivers we find that the space of vacua has in general a collection of Coulomb-like branches, a Higgs branch and mixed branches. For circular quivers we find an extra branch, the geometric branch, parametrized by monopoles with equal magnetic charges in all U(1) nodes and meson operators. We explain how to include FI and mass deformations. We also study $$ \mathcal{N}=3 $$ theories realized with (p, q) 5-branes.

Abstract: We extend the Mellin representation of conformal field theory (CFT) to allow for conformal boundaries and interfaces. We consider the simplest holographic setup dual to an interface CFT — a brane filling an AdS d subspace of AdS d+1 — and perform a systematic study of Witten diagrams in this setup. As a byproduct of our analysis, we show that geodesic Witten diagrams in this geometry reproduce interface CFT d conformal blocks, generalizing the analogous statement for CFTs with no defects.

Abstract: We discuss the possible realisation in string/M theory of the recently discovered family of four-dimensional maximal SO(8) gauged supergravities, and of an analogous family of seven-dimensional half-maximal SO(4) gauged supergravities. We first prove a no-go theorem that neither class of gaugings can be realised via a compactification that is locally described by ten- or eleven-dimensional supergravity. In the language of Double Field Theory and its M theory analogue, this implies that the section condition must be violated. Introducing the minimal number of additional coordinates possible, we then show that the standard S3 and S7 compactifications of ten- and eleven-dimensional supergravity admit a new class of section-violating generalised frames with a generalised Lie derivative algebra that reproduces the embedding tensor of the SO(4) and SO(8) gaugings respectively. The physical meaning, if any, of these constructions is unclear. They highlight a number of the issues that arise when attempting to apply the formalism of Double Field Theory to non-toroidal backgrounds. Using a naive brane charge quantisation to determine the periodicities of the additional coordinates restricts the SO(4) gaugings to an infinite discrete set and excludes all the SO(8) gaugings other than the standard one.

Abstract: Anti-D3 branes and non-perturbative effects in flux compactifications spontaneously break supersymmetry and stabilise moduli in a metastable de Sitter vacua. The low energy 4D effective field theory description for such models would be a supergravity theory with non-linearly realised supersymmetry. Guided by string theory modular symmetry, we compute this non-linear supergravity theory, including dependence on all bulk moduli. Using either a constrained chiral superfield or a constrained vector field, the uplifting contribution to the scalar potential from the anti-D3 brane can be parameterised either as an F-term or Fayet-Iliopoulos D-term. Using again the modular symmetry, we show that 4D non-linear supergravities that descend from string theory have an enhanced protection from quantum corrections by non-renormalisation theorems. The superpotential giving rise to metastable de Sitter vacua is robust against perturbative string-loop and $\alpha'$ corrections.

Abstract: Brane brick models are Type IIA brane configurations that encode the 2d $$ \mathcal{N}=\left(0,2\right) $$ gauge theories on the worldvolume of D1-branes probing toric Calabi-Yau 4-folds. We use mirror symmetry to improve our understanding of this correspondence and to provide a systematic approach for constructing brane brick models starting from geometry. The mirror configuration consists of D5-branes wrapping 4-spheres and the gauge theory is determined by how they intersect. We also explain how 2d (0, 2) triality is realized in terms of geometric transitions in the mirror geometry. Mirror symmetry leads to a geometric unification of dualities in different dimensions, where the order of duality is n − 1 for a Calabi-Yau n-fold. This makes us conjecture the existence of a quadrality symmetry in 0d. Finally, we comment on how the M-theory lift of brane brick models connects to the classification of 2d (0, 2) theories in terms of 4-manifolds.

Abstract: Effective supergravity inflationary models induced by anti-D3 brane interaction with the moduli fields in the bulk geometry have a geometric description. The Kahler function carries the complete geometric information on the theory. The non-vanishing bisectional curvature plays an important role in the construction. The new geometric formalism, with the nilpotent superfield representing the anti-D3 brane, allows a powerful generalization of the existing inflationary models based on supergravity. They can easily incorporate arbitrary values of the Hubble parameter, cosmological constant and gravitino mass. We illustrate it by providing generalized versions of polynomial chaotic inflation, T- and E-models of α-attractor type, disk merger. We also describe a multi-stage cosmological attractor regime, which we call cascade inflation.

Abstract: A theory known as special Galileon has recently attracted considerable interest due to its peculiar properties. It has been shown that it represents an extremal member of the set of effective field theories with an enhanced soft limit. This property makes its tree-level $S$-matrix fully on-shell reconstructible and representable by means of the Cachazo-He-Yuan representation. The enhanced soft limit is a consequence of new hidden symmetry of the special Galileon action; however, until now, the origin of this peculiar symmetry has remained unclear. In this paper we interpret this symmetry as a special transformation of the coset space $\mathrm{GAL}(D,1)/SO(1,D\ensuremath{-}1)$ and show that there exists a three-parametric family of invariant Galileon actions. The latter family is closed under the duality which appears as a natural generalization of the above mentioned symmetry. We also present a geometric construction of the special Galileon action using a $D$-dimensional brane propagating in $2D$-dimensional flat pseudo-Riemannian space. Within such a framework, the special Galileon symmetry emerges as a $U(1,D\ensuremath{-}1)$ symmetry of the target space, which can be treated as a $D$-dimensional K\"ahler manifold. Such a treatment allows for classification of the higher order invariant Lagrangians needed as counterterms on the quantum level. We also briefly comment on the relation between such higher order Lagrangians and the Lagrangians that are invariant with respect to the polynomial shift symmetry.

Abstract: We give simple string theory embeddings of several recently introduced dualities between 2+1-dimensional Chern-Simons matter theories using probe brane holography. Our construction is reliable in the limit of a large number of colors $N$ with fixed Chern-Simons level $k$.

Abstract: The electric Weak Gravity Conjecture demands that axions with large decay constant f couple to light instantons. The resulting large instantonic corrections pose problems for natural inflation. We explore an alternative argument based on the magnetic Weak Gravity Conjecture for axions, which we try to make more precise. Roughly speaking, it demands that the minimally charged string coupled to the dual 2-form-field exists in the effective theory. Most naively, such large-f strings curve space too much to exist as static solutions, thus ruling out large-f axions. More conservatively, one might allow non-static string solutions to play the role of the required charged objects. In this case, topological inflation would save the superplanckian axion. Furthermore, a large-f axion may appear in the low-energy effective theory based on two subplanckian axions in the UV. The resulting effective string is a composite object built from several elementary strings and domain walls. It may or may not satisfy the magnetic Weak Gravity Conjecture depending on how strictly the latter is interpreted and on the cosmological dynamics of this composite object, which remain to be fully understood. Finally, we recall that large-field brane inflation is naively possible in the codimension-one case. We show how string-theoretic back-reaction closes this apparent loophole of large-f (non-periodic) pseudo-axions.

Abstract: We give simple string theory embeddings of several recently introduced dualities between 2+1-dimensional Chern-Simons matter theories using probe brane holography. Our construction is reliable in the limit of a large number of colors N with fixed Chern-Simons level k.

Abstract: In this work, we study the quantum entanglement and compute entanglement entropy in de Sitter space for a bipartite quantum field theory driven by axion originating from ${\bf Type~ IIB}$ string compactification on a Calabi Yau three fold (${\bf CY^3}$) and in presence of ${\bf NS5}$ brane. For this compuation, we consider a spherical surface ${\bf S}^2$, which divide the spatial slice of de Sitter (${\bf dS_4}$) into exterior and interior sub regions. We also consider the initial choice of vaccum to be Bunch Davies state. First we derive the solution of the wave function of axion in a hyperbolic open chart by constructing a suitable basis for Bunch Davies vacuum state using Bogoliubov transformation. We then, derive the expression for density matrix by tracing over the exterior region. This allows us to compute entanglement entropy and R$\acute{e}$nyi entropy in $3+1$ dimension. Further we quantify the UV finite contribution of entanglement entropy which contain the physics of long range quantum correlations of our expanding universe. Finally, our analysis compliments the necessary condition for the violation of Bell's inequality in primordial cosmology due to the non vanishing entanglement entropy for axionic Bell pair.

Abstract: In this paper we study an $AdS_5$ solution constructed using non-Abelian T-duality, acting on the Klebanov-Witten background. We show that this is dual to a linear quiver with two tails of gauge groups of increasing rank. The field theory dynamics arises from a D4-NS5-NS5' brane set-up, generalizing the constructions discussed by Bah and Bobev. These realize $\mathcal{N}=1$ quiver gauge theories built out of $\mathcal{N}=1$ and $\mathcal{N}=2$ vector multiplets flowing to interacting fixed points in the infrared. We compute the central charge using $a$-maximization, and show its precise agreement with the holographic calculation. Our result exhibits $n^3$ scaling with the number of five-branes. This suggests an eleven-dimensional interpretation in terms of M5-branes, a generic feature of various $AdS$ backgrounds obtained via non-Abelian T-duality.

Abstract: "Brane supersymmetry breaking" is a peculiar phenomenon that can occur in perturbative orientifold vacua. It results from the simultaneous presence, in the vacuum, of non-mutually BPS sets of BPS branes and orientifolds, which leave behind a net tension and thus a runaway potential, but no tachyons. In the simplest ten-dimensional realization, the low-lying modes combine the closed sector of type-I supergravity with an open sector including USp(32) gauge bosons, fermions in the antisymmetric 495 and an additional singlet playing the role of a goldstino. We review some properties of this system and of other non-tachyonic models in ten dimensions with broken supersymmetry, and we illustrate some puzzles that their very existence raises, together with some applications that they have stimulated.

Abstract: We study supersymmetric intersections of NS5-, D6- and D8-branes in type IIA string theory. We focus on the supergravity description of this system and identify a “near horizon” limit in which we recover the recently classified supersymmetric seven-dimensional AdS solutions of massive type IIA supergravity. Using a consistent truncation to seven-dimensional gauged supergravity we construct a universal supersymmetric deformation of these AdS vacua. In the holographic dual six-dimensional (1,0) superconformal field theory this deformation describes a universal RG flow on the tensor branch of the vacuum moduli space triggered by a vacuum expectation value for a protected scalar operator of dimension four.

Abstract: Reflection states are introduced in the vertical and horizontal modules of the Ding-Iohara-Miki (DIM) algebra (quantum toroidal $\mathfrak{gl}_1$). Webs of DIM representations are in correspondence with $(p,q)$-web diagrams of type IIB string theory, under the identification of the algebraic intertwiner of Awata, Feigin and Shiraishi with the refined topological vertex. Extending the correspondence to the vertical reflection states, it is possible to engineer the $\mathcal{N}=1$ quiver gauge theory of D-type (with unitary gauge groups). In this way, the Nekrasov instanton partition function is reproduced from the evaluation of expectation values of intertwiners. This computation leads to the identification of the vertical reflection state with the orientifold plane of string theory. We also provide a translation of this construction in the Iqbal-Kozcaz-Vafa refined topological vertex formalism.

Abstract: The electric Weak Gravity Conjecture demands that axions with large decay constant $f$ couple to light instantons. The resulting large instantonic corrections pose problems for natural inflation. We explore an alternative argument based on the magnetic Weak Gravity Conjecture for axions, which we try to make more precise. Roughly speaking, it demands that the minimally charged string coupled to the dual 2-form-field exists in the effective theory. Most naively, such large-$f$ strings curve space too much to exist as static solutions, thus ruling out large-$f$ axions. More conservatively, one might allow non-static string solutions to play the role of the required charged objects. In this case, topological inflation would save the superplanckian axion. Furthermore, a large-$f$ axion may appear in the low-energy effective theory based on two subplanckian axions in the UV. The resulting effective string is a composite object built from several fundamental strings and domain walls. It may or may not satisfy the magnetic Weak Gravity Conjecture depending on how strictly the latter is interpreted and on the cosmological dynamics of this composite object, which remain to be fully understood. Finally, we recall that large-field brane inflation is naively possible in the codimension-one case. We show how string-theoretic back-reaction closes this apparent loophole of large-$f$ (non-periodic) pseudo-axions.

Abstract: We study the thick brane world system constructed in the recently proposed f(R, T) theories of gravity, with R the Ricci scalar and T the trace of the energy-momentum tensor. We try to get the analytic background solutions and discuss the full linear perturbations, especially the scalar perturbations. We compare how the brane world model is modified with that of general relativity coupled to a canonical scalar field. It is found that some more interesting background solutions are allowed, and only the scalar perturbation mode is modified. There is no tachyon state existing in this model and only the massless tensor mode can be localized on the brane, which recovers the effective four-dimensional gravity. These conclusions hold provided that two constraints on the original formalism of the action are satisfied.

Abstract: We propose a brane-world setup based on gauge/gravity duality in which the four-dimensional cosmological constant is set to zero by a dynamical self-adjustment mechanism. The bulk contains Einstein gravity and a scalar field. We study holographic RG flow solutions, with the standard model brane separating an infinite volume UV region and an IR region of finite volume. For generic values of the brane vacuum energy, regular solutions exist such that the four-dimensional brane is flat. Its position in the bulk is determined dynamically by the junction conditions. Analysis of linear fluctuations shows that a regime of 4-dimensional gravity is possible at large distances, due to the presence of an induced gravity term. The graviton acquires an effective mass, and a five-dimensional regime may exist at large and/or small scales. We show that, for a broad choice of potentials, flat-brane solutions are manifestly stable and free of ghosts. We compute the scalar contribution to the force between brane-localized sources and show that, in certain models, the vDVZ discontinuity is absent and the effective interaction at short distances is mediated by two transverse graviton helicities.

Abstract: From the perspective of four dimensional effective theory on a two brane warped geometry model, we examine the possibility of “bouncing phenomena”on our visible brane. Our results reveal that the presence of a warped extra dimension lead to a non-singular bounce on the brane scale factor and hence can remove the “big-bang singularity”. We also examine the possible parametric regions for which this bouncing is possible.

Abstract: We classify Minkowski4 solutions in type IIA supergravity, with $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 supersymmetry and an SU(2) R-symmetry of a certain type. Many subcases can be reduced to relatively simple PDEs, among which we recover various intersecting brane systems, and AdS d solutions, d = 5, 6, 7, and in particular the recently found general massive AdS7 solutions. Imposing compactness of the internal six-manifold we obtain promising solutions with localized D-branes and O-planes.

Abstract: We construct an action for NSNS 5-branes which is manifestly covariant under O(d,d). This is done by doubling $d$ of the spacetime coordinates which appear in the worldvolume action. By formulating the DBI part of the action in a manner similar to a "gauged sigma model", only half the doubled coordinates genuinely appear. Our approach allows one to describe the full T-duality orbit of the IIB NS5 brane, the IIA KKM and their exotic relations in one formalism. Furthermore, by using ideas from double field theory, our action can be said to describe various aspects of non-geometric five-branes.

Abstract: We propose a brane-world setup based on gauge/gravity duality in which the four-dimensional cosmological constant is set to zero by a dynamical self-adjustment mechanism. The bulk contains Einstein gravity and a scalar field. We study holographic RG flow solutions, with the standard model brane separating an infinite volume UV region and an IR region of finite volume. For generic values of the brane vacuum energy, regular solutions exist such that the four-dimensional brane is flat. Its position in the bulk is determined dynamically by the junction conditions. Analysis of linear fluctuations shows that a regime of 4-dimensional gravity is possible at large distances, due to the presence of an induced gravity term. The graviton acquires an effective mass, and a five-dimensional regime may exist at large and/or small scales. We show that, for a broad choice of potentials, flat-brane solutions are manifestly stable and free of ghosts. We compute the scalar contribution to the force between brane-localized sources and show that, in certain models, the vDVZ discontinuity is absent and the effective interaction at short distances is mediated by two transverse graviton helicities.

Abstract: We compute the elliptic genus of abelian 2d (0; 2) gauge theories corresponding to brane brick models. These theories are worldvolume theories on a single D1-brane probing a toric Calabi-Yau 4-fold ...

Abstract: We investigate p (D6) over bar branes inside a flux throat that carries K x M (D6) over bar charges with K the 3-form flux quantum and M the Romans mass. In such a setup brane-flux annihilation can ...

Abstract: We consider a five dimensional warped spacetime, in presence of the higher curvature term like $$F(R) = R + \alpha R^2$$ in the bulk, in the context of the two-brane model. Our universe is identified with the TeV scale brane and emerges as a four dimensional effective theory. From the perspective of this effective theory, we examine the possibility of “inflationary scenario” by considering the on-brane metric ansatz as an FRW one. Our results reveal that the higher curvature term in the five dimensional bulk spacetime generates a potential term for the radion field. Due to the presence of radion potential, the very early universe undergoes a stage of accelerated expansion and, moreover, the accelerating period of the universe terminates in a finite time. We also find the spectral index of curvature perturbation ( $$n_s$$ ) and the tensor to scalar ratio (r) in the present context, which match with the observational results based on the observations of Planck (Astron. Astrophys. 594, A20, 2016).