String theory duals of Wilson loops from Higgsing

Abstract

For three-dimensional ABJ(M) theories and $\mathcal{N}=4$ Chern-Simons-matter quiver theories, we construct two sets of 1/2 BPS Wilson loop operators by applying the Higgsing procedure along independent directions of the moduli space, and choosing different massive modes. For theories whose dual M-theory description is known, we also determine the corresponding spectrum of 1/2 BPS M2-brane solutions. We identify the supercharges in M-theory and field theory, as well as the supercharges preserved by M2-/anti-M2-branes and 1/2 BPS Wilson loops. In particular, in $\mathcal{N}=4$ orbifold ABJM theory we find pairs of different 1/2 BPS Wilson loops that preserve exactly the same set of supercharges. In field theory they arise by Higgsing with the choice of either particles or antiparticles, whereas in the dual description they correspond to a pair of M2-/anti-M2-branes localized at different positions in the compact space. This result enlightens the origin of classical Wilson loop degeneracy in these theories, already discussed in arXiv:1506.07614. A discussion on possible scenarios that emerge by comparison with localization results is included.

52 pages, 4 figures; V2, 61 pages, 4 figures, supercharges in gravity and field theory identified, conclusion unchanged, published version

References in corpus (18)

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• Fractional M2-branes
• Holographic Wilson Loops
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• Supersymmetric Wilson Loops in N=6 Super Chern-Simons-matter theory
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• A New N=4 Membrane Action via Orbifold
• M5-branes and Wilson Surfaces
• Non-Relativistic M2-brane Gauge Theory and New Superconformal Algebra
• Nonrelativistic Superconformal M2-Brane Theory
• Framing and localization in Chern-Simons theories with matter
• The quantum 1/2 BPS Wilson loop in $\mathcal{N}=4$ Chern-Simons-matter theories

Cited by in corpus (18)

• Roadmap on Wilson loops in 3d Chern-Simons-matter theories
• Wilson loops at large $N$ and the quantum M2 brane
• BPS Wilson loops in $\mathcal{N}\ge 2$ superconformal Chern-Simons-matter theories
• New BPS Wilson loops in $\mathcal{N}\text{= 4}$ circular quiver Chern-Simons-matter theories
• Notes on hyperloops in N=4 Chern-Simons-matter theories
• A matrix model for the latitude Wilson loop in ABJM theory
• Two-Point Functions in ABJM Matrix Model
• Wilson loops and defect RG flows in ABJM
• ABJM $\theta$-Bremsstrahlung at four loops and beyond
• Constant primary operators and where to find them: The strange case of BPS defects in ABJ(M) theory
• Conformal and non-conformal hyperloop deformations of the 1/2 BPS circle
• ADHM Wilson line defect indices
• Supersymmetric Wilson loops in two dimensions and duality
• Loop Operators in Three-Dimensional $\mathcal{N}=2$ Fishnet Theories
• Abelian dualities and line defect indices for 3d gauge theories
• Bootstrap of the defect 1/2 BPS Wilson lines in N=4 Chern-Simons-matter theories
• Holographic Wilson Loop One-point Functions in ABJM Theory
• A network of hyperloops