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N=4 superconformal characters and partition functions

2006/09/26 by Massimo Bianchi, M. Bianchi, F. A. Dolan +4
Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Algebra over a field #Algebraic structures and combinatorial models #Black Holes and Theoretical Physics #Character (mathematics) #Combinatorics #Geometry #Irreducible representation #Mathematics #Partition (number theory) #Pure mathematics #Quantum Chromodynamics and Particle Interactions #hep-th

paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.nuclphysb.2006.12.005

published as Nucl.Phys.B767:163-226,2007 · 72 pages, uses harvmac

arxiv created 2006/09/26 · openalex publication_date 2006/12/18 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

Character formulae for positive energy unitary representations of the N=4 superconformal group are obtained through use of reduced Verma modules and Weyl group symmetry. Expansions of these are given which determine the particular representations present and results such as dimensions of superconformal multiplets. By restriction of variables various `blind' characters are also obtained. Limits, corresponding to reduction to particular subgroups, in the characters isolate contributions from particular subsets of multiplets and in many cases simplify the results considerably. As a special case, the index counting short and semi-short multiplets which do not form long multiplets found recently is shown to be related to particular cases of reduced characters. Partition functions of N=4 super Yang Mills are investigated. Through analysis of these, exact formulae are obtained for counting half and some quarter BPS operators in the free case. Similarly, partial results for the counting of semi-short operators are given. It is also shown in particular examples how certain short operators which one might combine to form long multiplets due to group theoretic considerations may be protected dynamically.

Citations