Related papers: Decomposition, condensation defects, and fusion
We review work on `decomposition,' a property of two-dimensional theories with 1-form symmetries and, more generally, d-dimensional theories with (d-1)-form symmetries. Decomposition is the observation that such quantum field theories are…
We discuss invertible and non-invertible topological condensation defects arising from gauging a discrete higher-form symmetry on a higher codimensional manifold in spacetime, which we define as higher gauging. A $q$-form symmetry is called…
We sketch a procedure to capture general non-invertible symmetries of a d-dimensional quantum field theory in the data of a higher-category, which captures the local properties of topological defects associated to the symmetries. We also…
Gauging a symmetry can be thought of as the insertion of a spacetime-filling defect. Accordingly, we regard each gaugeable symmetry in a theory as defining a $-1$-form symmetry via condensation. The resulting operators, called gauge…
We develop a unified mathematical theory of defect condensations for topological orders in all dimensions based on higher categories, higher algebras and higher representations. A k-codimensional topological defect $A$ in an n+1D…
We investigate the interplay between (-1)-form symmetries and their quantum-dual (d-1)-form counterparts within the framework of Symmetry Topological Field Theories (SymTFTs). In this framework the phenomenon of decomposition -- a…
In this paper we discuss gauging one-form symmetries in two-dimensional theories. The existence of a global one-form symmetry in two dimensions typically signals a violation of cluster decomposition -- an issue resolved by the observation…
It is well-known that gauging a finite 0-form symmetry in a quantum field theory leads to a dual symmetry generated by topological Wilson line defects. These are described by the representations of the 0-form symmetry group which form a…
We introduce a method to obtain deformed defects starting from a given scalar field theory which possesses defect solutions. The procedure allows the construction of infinitely many new theories that support defect solutions, analytically…
When a quantum field theory in $d$-spacetime dimensions possesses a global $(d-1)$-form symmetry, it can decompose into disjoint unions of other theories. This is reflected in the physical quantities of the theory and can be used to study…
We study the structure of topological defects for finite Abelian symmetries in quantum field theories, and argue on physical grounds that they satisfy the definition of a higher fusion category proposed by Johnson-Freyd. Our primary focus…
In this paper we discuss dilaton shifts (Euler counterterms) arising in decomposition of two-dimensional quantum field theories with higher-form symmetries. These take a universal form, reflecting underlying (noninvertible, quantum)…
We discuss a variety of codimension-one, non-invertible topological defects in general 3+1d QFTs with a discrete one-form global symmetry. These include condensation defects from higher gauging of the one-form symmetries on a…
Symmetry-breaking phase transitions are ubiquitous in condensed matter systems and in quantum field theories. There is also good reason to believe that they feature in the very early history of the Universe. At many such transitions…
We review two methods used to approach the condensation of defects phenomenon. Analyzing in details their structure, we show that in the limit where the defects proliferate until occupy the whole space these two methods are dual equivalent…
Given any symmetry acting on a $d$-dimensional quantum field theory, there is an associated $(d+1)$-dimensional topological field theory known as the Symmetry TFT (SymTFT). The SymTFT is useful for decoupling the universal quantities of…
Conformal defects -- extended objects in conformal field theories -- carry localised excitations inherited from symmetry currents, known as the displacements and tilts. They capture the linear response of the defect to deformations of its…
This paper continues a study of field theories specified for the nonuniform lattice in the finite-dimensional hypercube with the use of the earlier described deformation parameters. The paper is devoted to spontaneous breakdown and…
Defects are a useful tool in the study of quantum field theories. This is illustrated in the example of two-dimensional conformal field theories. We describe how defect lines and their junction points appear in the description of symmetries…
We propose a set of constraints on the ground-state wavefunctions of fracton phases, which provide a possible generalization of the string-net equations used to characterize topological orders in two spatial dimensions. Our constraint…