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arXiv:1406.4290

Conformal field theory on the plane

Sylvain Ribault

Published Jun 17, 2014• 70 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We review conformal field theory on the plane in the conformal bootstrap approach. We introduce the main ideas of the bootstrap approach to quantum field theory, and how they apply to two-dimensional theories with local conformal symmetry. We describe the mathematical structures that appear in such theories, from the Virasoro algebra and its representations, to BPZ equations and conformal blocks. Examples include Liouville theory, (generalized) minimal models, free bosonic theories, the $H_3^+$ model, and the $SU_2$ and $\widetilde{SL}_2(\mathbb{R})$ WZW models. We also discuss relations between some of these models, and limits of these models when the central charge and/or conformal dimensions tend to particular values.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.1406.4290

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We review conformal field theory on the plane in the conformal bootstrap approach. We introduce the main ideas of the bootstrap approach to quantum field theory, and how they apply to two-dimensional theories with local conformal symmetry. We describe the mathematical structures that appear in such theories, from the Virasoro algebra and its representations, to BPZ equations and conformal blocks. Examples include Liouville theory, (generalized) minimal models, free bosonic theories, the H3+H_3^+H3+​ model, and the SU2SU_2SU2​ and SL~2(R)\widetilde{SL}_2(\mathbb{R})SL2​(R) WZW models. We also discuss relations between some of these models, and limits of these models when the central charge and/or conformal dimensions tend to particular values.
The fundamentals of the conformal symmetry transformations in two dimensions are introduced. From the adapted \textit{Ward identities under conformal constraints}, the \textit{operator product expansion} (OPE) is defined for free fields and the energy momentum tensor (EM). After demonstrating how the energy momentum tensor transforms under conformal invariance, the notion of the \textit{central charge c} is defined. Conformal fields in two dimensions are \textit{radially} quantized on the cylinder within the framework of the second quantization of quantum field theory and are then mapped onto complex plane via a conformal mapping. The \textit{radial ordering} of conformal fields is adopted. The \textit{Virasoro algebra} is derived from the identification of the \textit{conformal generators}, which follow from relations between equal-time commutators and contour integrals of conformal fields. The radial quantization is applied to the free fermionic and bosonic fields, where for the latter the \textit{Vertex operator} is defined and specified. The Fock space of the free boson is constructed through the \textit{operator state correspondence}. Various boundary conditions are applied to free fields, and their effects on the ground-state energy density are detailed, leading to the notion of the \textit{Casimir energy}. The OPEs are regularized for the \textit{interacting} conformal fields, namely the E-M tensor, and the related definition of \textit{normal ordering} is revisited. Utilization of the Virasoro algebra led first to the \textit{descendant states} and subsequently to the \textit{conformal families}. The OPEs are generalized for the conformal families, and it is demonstrated how the three-point function coefficients may be obtained in terms of the two-point functions. The same procedure is employed generically through the definition of the \textit{conformal blocks}. The \textit{conformal Bootstrap method} is introduced to calculate the coefficients of nnn point functions. The Hilbert space of the conformal fields in two dimensions is formally constructed through the \textit{representation theory of Virasoro algebra}. Accordingly, the reducible and irreducible \textit{Verma modules} are specified. Due to the unitarity requirement of the Hilbert space, the famous \textit{Kac determinant} is introduced to obtain constraints on the inner products of the Verma modules, whence on the \textit{conformal weights} and the central charge. The decoupling of the \textit{null states} from rest of the their conformal families is used to obtain \textit{fusion rules} of the families. The \textit{Kac table} for the constrained conformal weights is constructed, and its analysis under the requirement of unitarity leads to the identification of the \textit{minimal models}. The correspondence between the discrete statistical systems at criticality and the minimal models is studied, where special attention is given on the \textit{Ising model}.
In this thesis we study two-dimensional conformal field theories with Virasoro algebra symmetry, following the conformal bootstrap approach. Under the assumption that degenerate fields exist, we provide an extension of the analytic conformal bootstrap method to theories with non-diagonal spectrums. We write the equations that determine structure constants, and find explicit solutions in terms of special functions. We validate this results by numerically computing four-point functions in diagonal and non-diagonal minimal models, and verifying that crossing symmetry is satisfied. In addition, we build a proposal for a family of non-diagonal, non-rational conformal field theories for any central charges such that ℜc<13\Re{c} < 13ℜc<13. This proposal is motivated by taking limits of the spectrum of D-series minimal models. We perform numerical computations of four-point functions in these theories, and find that they satisfy crossing symmetry. These theories may be understood as non-diagonal extensions of Liouville theory.
This article presents a systematic development of conformal field theory from first principles in quantum field theory, emphasizing complete derivations of the conformal group in arbitrary dimensions from the conformal Killing equation, proving its isomorphism to SO(d+1,1)\mathrm{SO}(d+1,1)SO(d+1,1), and developing the embedding space formalism as a tool for constructing conformally covariant correlation functions constrained by Ward identities. In two dimensions, conformal symmetry enhances to an infinite-dimensional algebra: we derive the Virasoro algebra [Lm,Ln]=(m−n)Lm+n+c12(m3−m)δm+n,0[L_m, L_n] = (m-n)L_{m+n} + \frac{c}{12}(m^3-m)\delta_{m+n,0}[Lm​,Ln​]=(m−n)Lm+n​+12c​(m3−m)δm+n,0​ from infinitesimal generators ℓn=−zn+1∂z\ell_n = -z^{n+1}\partial_zℓn​=−zn+1∂z​, computing the central charge explicitly for free theories (boson c=1c=1c=1, Majorana fermion c=1/2c=1/2c=1/2, bcbcbc-ghosts c=1−3(2λ−1)2c = 1-3(2\lambda-1)^2c=1−3(2λ−1)2) and demonstrating its physical interpretation as vacuum energy. Through radial quantization, we establish the operator-state correspondence and construct the Hilbert space via Virasoro descendants of primary states ∣h,hˉ⟩|h,\bar{h}\rangle∣h,hˉ⟩, deriving the transformation law T′(w)=(dw/dz)−2[T(z)−(c/12){w;z}]T'(w) = (dw/dz)^{-2}[T(z) - (c/12)\{w;z\}]T′(w)=(dw/dz)−2[T(z)−(c/12){w;z}] that reveals the geometric origin of the conformal anomaly.
In this dissertation we describe progress towards carving out the space of non-integrable conformal field theories (CFTs) in 1+1 dimensions using conformal bootstrap techniques. We develop and apply numerical and analytical techniques to explore the non-perturbative consequences of conformal symmetry, unitarity and locality on the spectrum and dynamics of 2D CFTs. Throughout we focus on compact irrational CFTs, which have a discrete spectrum consisting of an infinite number of primary operators and exhibit chaotic dynamics. In the first part of the dissertation we report on numerical advances in charting the space of 2D CFTs. We use semidefinite programming to compute bounds on the gap in the spectrum of primary operators as a function of the central charge and on spectral functions that capture the spectral density of primary operators. We then develop recursion relations for arbitrary Virasoro conformal blocks, and explore the constraints of modular invariance of the genus-two partition function, leading to ``critical surfaces'' that bound the heavy structure constants of a CFT. In the second part of the dissertation we develop the analytic bootstrap program for two dimensional conformal field theories, focusing on universal aspects of irrational unitary CFTs and holography. We show that the large-spin sector of irrational CFTs is universally governed by a ``Virasoro mean field theory,'' incorporating exact stress tensor dynamics into the analytic bootstrap and leading to non-perturbative insights about the bound-state dynamics of three-dimensional quantum gravity. We then leverage a generalized notion of modular invariance to derive a universal asymptotic formula for the average value of the structure constants whenever one or more of the operators has large conformal dimension. The large central charge limit makes contact with quantum gravity in three dimensions, where the averaging over heavy states corresponds to coarse-graining over black hole microstates. Finally, we study the Euclidean gravitational path integral of pure AdS3 quantum gravity, and use a modular bootstrap analysis to suggest new saddle point configurations that can be consistently included in the gravitational path integral and whose inclusion renders the dual torus partition function unitary.
The study of conformal symmetry is motivated through an example in statistical mechanics and then rigorously developed in quantum field theories in general spatial dimensions. In particular, primary fields are introduced as the fundamental objects of such theories and then studied in the formalism of radial quantization. The implications of conformal invariance on the functional form of correlation functions are studied in detail. Conformal blocks are defined and various approaches to their analytical and numerical calculation are presented with a special emphasis on the one-dimensional case. Building on these preliminaries, a modern formulation of the conformal bootstrap program and its various extensions are discussed. Examples are given in which bounds on the scaling dimensions in a one-dimensional theory are derived numerically. Using these results I motivate the technique of using the extremal functional bootstrap which I then develop in more detail. Many technical details are discussed and examples shown. After a brief discussion of conformal field theories with a boundary I apply numerical methods to find constraints on the spectrum of the 3D Ising model. Another application is presented in which I study the 4-point function on the boundary of a particular theory in Anti-de-Sitter space in order to approximate the mass spectrum of the theory.
The study of conformal symmetry is motivated through an example in statistical mechanics and then rigorously developed in quantum field theories in general spatial dimensions.In particular, primary fields are introduced as the fundamental objects of such theories and then studied in the formalism of radial quantization.The implications of conformal invariance on the functional form of correlation functions are studied in detail.Conformal blocks are defined and various approaches to their analytical and numerical calculation are presented with a special emphasis on the one-dimensional case.Building on these preliminaries, a modern formulation of the conformal bootstrap program and its various extensions are discussed.Examples are given in which bounds on the scaling dimensions in a one-dimensional theory are derived numerically.Using these results I motivate the technique of using the extremal functional bootstrap which I then develop in more detail.Many technical details are discussed and examples shown.After a brief discussion of conformal field theories with a boundary I apply numerical methods to find constraints on the spectrum of the 3D Ising model.Another application is presented in which I study the 4-point function on the boundary of a particular theory in Anti-de-Sitter space in order to approximate the mass spectrum of the theory.