Related papers: k-String tensions and the 1/N expansion

We revisit the symmetries of massless two-dimensional adjoint QCD with gauge group $SU(N)$. The dynamics is not sufficiently constrained by the ordinary symmetries and anomalies. Here we show that the theory in fact admits $\sim 2^{2N}$…

We study the thickness of the confining flux tube generated by a pair of sources in higher representations of the gauge group. Using a simple geometric picture we argue that the area of the cross-section of the flux tube, as measured by a…

Two different mechanisms exist in non-perturbative String / M- theory for enhanced SU(N) (SO(2N)) gauge symmetries. It can appear in type IIA string theory or M-theory near an $A_{N-1}$ (D_N) type singularity where membrnes wrapped around…

As a continuation of the study (in arXiv:2102.07696 and arXiv:2104.12625) of strong-coupling expansion of non-planar corrections in $\mathcal N=2$ 4d superconformal models we consider two special theories with gauge groups $SU(N)$ and…

Effective string theory has shown its universal power in the prediction of the spectrum of low-lying excited states of confining strings. Here we study confining flux tubes in $\mathbb{Z}_N$ gauge theories. For the $N=2$ theory, which…

We study the physics of the Seiberg-Witten and Argyres-Faraggi-Klemm-Lerche-Theisen-Yankielowicz solutions of $D=4$, $\mathcal{N}=2$ and $\mathcal{N}=1$ $SU(N)$ supersymmetric gauge theory. The $\mathcal{N}=1$ theory is confining and its…

We show that the lattice glueball masses $M_G$ versus $N$ in SU($N$) and Sp($2N$) Yang-Mills theories scale as $\frac{M_G}{\sqrt\sigma}\sim \sqrt{\frac{C_2(adj)}{C_2(f)}}$, with $\sigma$ the fundamental string tension and $C_2(adj)$ and…

In the context of gauge/gravity duality, we try to understand better the proposed duality between the fractional D2-brane supergravity solutions of (Nucl. Phys. B 606 (2001) 18, hep-th/0101096) and a confining 2+1 dimensional gauge theory.…

A brief historical synopsis of the connection between gauge theories and string theory is given. Meson configurations known as k-strings are examined from string theory via the gauge/gravity correspondence. Backgrounds dual to k-strings in…

We consider the 1-loop effective potential in type I string theory compactified on a torus, with supersymmetry broken by the Scherk-Schwarz mechanism. At fixed supersymmetry breaking scale M, and up to exponentially suppressed terms, we…

We propose a new algorithm to compute the order-order interface tension in SU(N) lattice gauge theories. The algorithm is trivially generalizable to a variety of models, e.g., spin models. In the case N=3, via the perfect wetting…

We develop a large-N expansion for Gutzwiller projected spin states. We consider valence bonds singlets, constructed by Schwinger bosons or fermions, which are variational ground states for quantum antiferromagnets. This expansion is…

Nonperturbative terms in the free energy of Chern-Simons gauge theory play a key role in its duality to the closed topological string. We show that these terms are reproduced by performing a double scaling limit near the point where the…

The interpretation of the apparent unification of gauge couplings within supersymmetric theories depends on uncertainties induced through heavy particle thresholds. While in standard grand unified theories these effects can be estimated…

We consider a Yang-Mills-Higgs theory with spontaneous symmetry breaking of the gauge group G -> U(1)^r -> C(G), with C(G) being the center of G. We study two vacua solutions of the theory which produce this symmetry breaking. We show that…

We examine the breaking of $Z_N$ symmetry recently reported for the Twisted Eguchi-Kawai model (TEK). We analyse the origin of this behaviour and propose simple modifications of twist and lattice action that could avoid the problem. Our…

We show that the string tension in N=1 two-dimensional super Yang-Mills theory vanishes independently of the representation of the quark anti-quark external source. We argue that this result persists in SQCD_2 and in two-dimensional gauge…

Motivated in part by the pseudo-Nambu Goldstone Boson mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking in Composite Higgs Models, in part by dark matter scenarios with strongly coupled origin, as well as by general theoretical considerations…

The large $N$ expansion of giant graviton correlators is considered. Giant gravitons are described using operators with a bare dimension of order $N$. In this case the usual $1/N$ expansion is not applicable and there are contributions to…

We calculate the spectrum of light glueballs and the string tension in a number of SO(N) lattice gauge theories in 2+1 dimensions, with N in the range from N=3 to N=16. After extrapolating to the continuum limit and then to N=oo we compare…