Topological operators, noninvertible symmetries and decomposition

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the relationship between noninvertible topological operators, one-form symmetries, and decomposition of two-dimensional quantum field theories, focusing on two-dimensional orbifolds with and without discrete torsion. As one component of our analysis, we study the ring of dimension-zero operators in two-dimensional theories exhibiting decomposition. From a commutative algebra perspective, the rings are naturally associated to a finite number of points, one point for each universe in the decomposition. Each universe is canonically associated to a representation, which defines a projector, an idempotent in the ring of dimension-zero operators. We discuss how bulk Wilson lines act as defects bridging universes, and how Wilson lines on boundaries of two-dimensional theories decompose, and compute actions of projectors. We discuss one-form symmetries of the rings, and related properties. We also give general formulas for projection operators, which previously were computed on a case-by-case basis. Finally, we propose a characterization of noninvertible higher-form symmetries in this context in terms of representations. In that characterization, non-isomorphic universes appearing in decomposition are associated with noninvertible one-form symmetries.

77 pages, LaTeX; v2: reference added; v3: typos fixed and material on bulk Wilson lines added

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