Equivariant localization and gluing rules in 4d $\mathcal{N}=2$ higher derivative supergravity

Abstract

We complete the proof of the conjecture in arXiv:2111.06903 regarding the form of gravitational building blocks in higher derivative supergravity and examine the related gluing rules. The derivation, based on certain assumptions, combines the BVAB equivariant localization formula (on non-compact spaces) and the direct evaluation of the action on the Omega background in AdS${}_4$, arXiv:2212.10590. Utilizing the superconformal gravity formalism and avoiding equations of motion ensures our results are valid at any perturbative order in the Newton constant. As an application, we illustrate the holographic predictions for supersymmetric M2-brane partition functions. We conclude with a to-do list of related calculations in effective supergravity and string theory, aiming for full quantum control of BPS backgrounds.

19 pages; based on a talk given at the MATRIX program "New Deformations of Quantum Field and Gravity Theories", 22 Jan - 2 Feb 2024