Phases of $\mathbf{U}({\mathbf{N}}_{\mathbf{c}})$ QCD${}_3$ from Type 0 Strings and Seiberg Duality

Abstract

We propose an embedding of $U(N_c)$ QCD${}_3$ with a Chern-Simons term in string theory. The UV gauge theory lives on the worldvolume of a Hanany-Witten brane configuration in type 0B string theory in the presence of Sagnotti's O${}^{\prime }3$ orientifold. We use the brane configuration to propose a magnetic Seiberg dual. We identify various phases of the magnetic theory with conjectured phases of QCD${}_3$. In particular the symmetry breaking and bosonization phases are both associated with condensation of the dual squark field. We also discuss the abelian theory without Chern-Simons term and argue that flavour symmetry is not broken. Finally, we also predict novel type 0B string dynamics from QCD dynamics.