Related papers: Scale and Conformal Invariance in Heterotic $\sigm…

By adapting previously known arguments concerning Ricci flow and the c-theorem, we give a direct proof that in a two-dimensional sigma-model with compact target space, scale invariance implies conformal invariance in perturbation theory.…

We show that the sigma models with target spaces supersymmetric heterotic backgrounds with $SU(2)$ and $SU(3)$ holonomy are invariant under a W-symmetry algebra generated by the covariantly constant forms of these backgrounds. The closure…

Motivated by recently explored examples, we undertake a systematic study of conformal invariance in one-dimensional sigma models where an isometry group has been gauged. Perhaps surprisingly, we uncover classes of sigma models which are…

The symmetries of two-dimensional supersymmetric sigma models on target spaces with covariantly constant forms associated to special holonomy groups are analysed. It is shown that each pair of such forms gives rise to a new one, called a…

The gauge bundle of the 4-dim conformal group over an 8-dim base space, called biconformal space, is shown have a consistent interpretation as a scale-invariant phase space. Specifically, we show that a classical Hamiltonian system…

There exists a certain argument that in even dimensions, scale invariant quantum field theories are conformal invariant. We may try to extend the argument in $2n + \epsilon$ dimensions, but the naive extension has a small loophole, which…

Consider an asymptotically flat Riemannian manifold $(M,g)$ of dimension $n \geq 3$ with nonempty compact boundary. We recall the harmonic conformal class $[g]_h$ of the metric, which consists of all conformal rescalings given by a harmonic…

We determine the algebra of holonomy symmetries of sigma models propagating on supersymmetric heterotic backgrounds with a non-compact holonomy group. We demonstrate that these close as a W-algebra, which in turn is specified by a Lie…

A study of (1,1) supersymmetric two-dimensional non-linear sigma models with boundary on special holonomy target spaces is presented. In particular, the consistency of the boundary conditions under the various symmetries is studied. Models…

Rigidly superconformal sigma models in higher than two dimensions are constructed. These models rely on the existence of conformal Killing spinors on the $p+1$ dimensional worldvolume $(p\le 5)$, and homothetic conformal Killing vectors in…

We show that in a two-dimensional sigma-model whose fields only depend on one target space co-ordinate, the O(d,d) invariance of the conformal invariance conditions observed at one loop is preserved at two loops (in the general case with…

In this review article, we discuss the distinction and possible equivalence between scale invariance and conformal invariance in relativistic quantum field theories. Under some technical assumptions, we can prove that scale invariant…

A new symmetry of $(1,0)$ supersymmetric non-linear $\sigma$-models in two dimensions with Fermi and mass sectors is introduced. It is a generalisation of the so-called special holonomy $W$-symmetry of Howe and Papadopoulos associated with…

We discuss in this paper the conformal geometry of bi-invariant metrics on compact semisimple Lie groups. For this purpose we develop a conformal Cartan calculus adapted to this problem. In particular, we derive an explicit formula for the…

Classical gravitating field theories reduced to three dimensions admit manifest gauge invariances and hidden symmetries, which together make up the invariance group G of the theory. If this group is large enough, the target space is a…

We examine the question of scale versus conformal invariance on maximally symmetric curved backgrounds and study general 2-derivative conformally invariant free theories of vectors and tensors. For spacetime dimension $D>4$, these conformal…

A class of three-dimensional models which satisfy supersymmetric intertwining relations with the simplest - oscillator-like - variant of shape invariance is constructed. It is proved that the models are not amenable to conventional…

The inhomogeneous six-vertex model is a 2$D$ multiparametric integrable statistical system. In the scaling limit it is expected to cover different classes of critical behaviour which, for the most part, have remained unexplored. For general…

We consider a $2d$ sigma model with a $2+N$ - dimensional Minkowski signature target space metric having a covariantly constant null Killing vector. We study solutions of the conformal invariance conditions in $2+N$ dimensions and find that…

We study the holonomy that is associated to a sub-Riemannian structure defined on the kernel of a global contact form. This includes the holonomy of Schouten's horizontal connection as well as of the adapted connection, both canonical…