Mathematical Physics Group

The seminars begin at 2.30pm if not stated otherwise.

Oct 9th: Ji Hoon Lee (ETH) - Aula S

Title: AdS3 quantum gravity and finite N chiral primaries 

Abstract: We suggest a bulk explanation for the stringy exclusion principle in AdS3 duals of symmetric orbifold CFTs at finite N. In this context, a sum over one-loop partition functions of an infinite set of bulk geometries that are asymptotic to AdS3 x S3 x T4 or K3 will be shown to reproduce the integer spectrum of chiral primaries in the symmetric orbifold of T4 or K3 at finite N. 

Oct 16th: Ohad Mamroud (SISSA) - Aula C

Title: Branes in the superconformal index 

Abstract: I'll discuss the superconformal index of N=4 SU(N) super Yang-Mills and its holographic interpretation as the partition function of type IIB string theory on AdS_5 x S^5. The latter contains various gravitational saddles, such as Euclidean black holes and orbifolds thereof. It also contains saddles with various SUSY branes on top of these backgrounds. I will identify these contributions within the superconformal index and explain the origin of the branes both in a Cardy-like limit (as eigenvalue instantons) and at large N (as certain continuous solutions in the Bethe Ansatz approach). This understanding allows us to suggest a connection between the branes and the orbifolds, and to better explain the phase diagram of the theory. 

Nov 6th: Claudio Dappiaggi (Pavia U.) - Aula C

Title: Scalar Quantum Field Theory on AdS spacetimes: Boundary conditions and Hadamard states

Abstract: We discuss the quantisation of a real, massive scalar field on the Poincaré patch of an anti–de Sitter (AdS) spacetime. Our goal is twofold. On the one hand, we aim to highlight the role of boundary conditions in the identification of the underlying fundamental solutions and in the construction of Hadamard state, two-point correlation functions with a prescribed singular structure that serve as the building blocks for a covariant formulation of Wick polynomials. On the other hand, we wish to discuss and comment on the open mathematical problems that arise in this setting, in particular by contrasting them with the globally hyperbolic case, where the quantisation procedure and the construction of Hadamard states are by now well understood and under full control.

Nov 13rd: Cristoforo Iossa (Geneva U.) - Aula S

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA

Dec 4th: Alejandro Ruiperez (Rome U. Tor Vergata) - Aula S

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA

Dec 18th: Paolo Arnaudo (University of Southampton) - Aula S

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA

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